Weston Dentist on How Sleep Apnea is Linked to More Severe COVID-19 Infections
If you suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) you may be aware that it can trigger health problems such as chronic sleeplessness, drowsiness, daytime fatigue, trouble concentrating, depression, early on-set of Alzheimer’s, lowered metabolism and testosterone levels, sudden cardiac death and cancer. Recent research has also shown that there is a greater risk of severe COVID outcomes for patients suffering from conditions common to sleep apnea patients like obesity and hypertension.
Three recent studies have demonstrated a link between sleep apnea and dangerous even life threatening COVID-19 outcomes. Research conducted at Harvard University found that sleep apnea sufferers who contracted COVID had double the death rate of those who didn’t. Patients who were actively receiving sleep apnea treatment fared better than those who did not. A study conducted by Northwestern University at ten Chicago area hospitals found that patients with OSA were 5 times more likely to be hospitalized after contracting COVID. Another recent study in France among diabetics who contracted COVID-19 showed that those with OSA had nearly three times the death rate than those who didn’t have sleep apnea.
While this research is preliminary it does underscore the need for patients suffering from sleep apnea to seek treatment. This is particularly true during the pandemic. If you suspect that you are someone you know may have sleep apnea, schedule a sleep test right away. At home sleep tests are now available. There are no firm fast rules regarding the symptoms of sleep apnea but there are indicators. If you experience two or more of the following you should at least get scanned for sleep apnea:
- Frequent loud snoring
- Waking up not feeling refreshed after sleeping
- Daytime fatigue
- Frequent trips to the bathroom at night
- Decreased sex drive
- Difficulty in concentrating during the day
- Waking up with a headache
As a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine (ABDSM), Dr. Pyle is part of an elite group of dentists who have met the highest educational and experiential standards. He possesses an in-depth level of knowledge in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea using oral appliance therapy. Patients who could more conveniently visit a Davie, Plantation Dentist or a Fort Lauderdale Dentist often travel the extra distance to see Dr. Pyle because of his experience and dedication to sleep apnea treatment. Make an appointment with us today.
