If you’re unable to get the proper rest you need, it can eventually compromise your health and hinder your ability to fully function. One of the major contributors to insufficient rest is sleep apnea. New information has emerged, though, that suggests a connection between the function of the thyroid and sleep apnea in Denver. Learn how the two issues may be related so you can receive the most effective therapy possible.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is the name given to pauses in breathing that can happen up to hundreds of times a night. As a natural response, the brain sends a distress signal throughout the body that awakens the person so breathing can restart.
Because of the usual high frequency of these occurrences, the person is left feeling lethargic, irritable, unable to concentrate and more susceptible to major health threats like diabetes complications, heart disease, stroke and other serious conditions.
How Poor Thyroid Function Can Contribute to Sleep Apnea
Researchers have found several contributing factors to sleep apnea, one of them being a dysfunctional thyroid. The latter is responsible for regulating your body’s temperature and your organ function.
Because the human system relies on a series of symbiotic relationships, if the thyroid is either overactive (hyperthyroidism) or underactive (hypothyroidism), there can be a disruption in sleep patterns.
What Can be Done?
Sleep apnea is best treated through a collaboration between your sleep dentist and your physician. The latter can schedule you for an initial sleep test to determine whether you have sleep apnea and then, run the necessary tests to discover if there is a peripheral contributor like a dysfunctional thyroid.
Treating Sleep Apnea
Two of the available treatment options are a CPAP machine and an oral appliance. The following explains the differences between the two options:
- CPAP machine – Consisting of a mask, base unit and tube, the CPAP machine delivers a steady supply of oxygen while you sleep to prevent any lapses in breathing that could cause you to awaken.
- Oral appliance – An oral appliance can either serve as an alternative or a supplement to the CPAP machine. Some patients prefer the former because of its noise-free, portable and more comfortable approach to treating sleep apnea.
Treatment Options for Thyroid Issues
When you visit your general physician, you can have your thyroid function tested so you can receive the most effective treatment possible. One of the recommendations your doctor may make is hormone therapy to regulate the function of your thyroid.
Then, by your dentist and doctor maintaining an open line of communication, you can receive the combined therapy you need to overcome sleep apnea in Denver and enjoy the best overall health possible.
About the Author
Dr. Gary M. Radz does more than just treat sleep apnea. Diagnosed with the condition over 10 years ago, he too uses an oral appliance to get the relief he needs. Thus, Dr. Radz has a greater understanding of the challenges his patients face. He combines his years of experience and vast knowledge to provide effective therapy for sleep apnea, and he can be reached for more information through his website.