Celebrated across the country, Men’s Health Month provides screenings, health fairs, media appearances, and other health educational activities. This is done every year to help raise awareness for men and their health conditions. With that being said, men have an increased risk of developing sleep apnea, which means it is important to seek treatment immediately–even just as a precaution.
Increased risk for sleep apnea
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is caused by obstructed breathing, either due to too much tissue as seen in obesity or decreased muscle tone which may be seen with low testosterone. This inhibits the airflow in the mouth and nose which causes snoring and decreased ability for adequate oxygenation during sleep.
As a result, men often wake up numerous times during the night and rarely achieve deep sleep. Most cases of sleep apnea that are caused by low testosterone are considered to be OSA. While OSA may primarily be considered a “man’s disease,” it poses serious and even life-threatening health risks for women too.
Undiagnosed Sleep Apnea and Depression
Men with sleep apnea also appear to have a higher risk of depression. Men with undiagnosed sleep apnea had more than double the risk of depression compared to those without sleep apnea. Additionally, men who had both undiagnosed severe sleep apnea and excessive daytime sleepiness, had an even greater risk of depression.
It was shown that their risk of depression was up to five times greater than normal. With that being said, it is key that we provide the services necessary for providing men with the diagnosis and treatment they need to overcome sleep apnea.
It’s time to seek treatment
This month, and every month after, it is important to gain a better understanding of the resources you need to make educated decisions about your health, which means proper screening for sleep apnea. By catching sleep apnea early, and providing proper treatment options, you can receive the care you need to remain healthy while also getting the rest you need or have been missing out on for so long.
Contact Craniofacial Pain & Dental Sleep Center of Georgia for more information on sleep apnea and how you can take the next steps toward improved health care.
