Sleep apnea and similar forms of sleep-disorder breathing (SDB) are a common problem in Michigan and other parts of the country. A staggering 42 million people in America suffer from SDB, and approximately 75% of severe cases still have not been diagnosed. Whether you have just recently started to show symptoms of sleep apnea or you have had the condition for a long time, it may help to know just how common sleep apnea is and how easy it is to get treatment from a Michigan dentist.
The Prevalence Of Sleep Apnea In Michigan
Research shows that 1 in 5 adults have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is about 1.5 million people in Michigan based on the latest population statistics from the US Census Bureau. About 1 in 15 adults have moderate to severe OSA, and many of them have suffered for decades. Sleep apnea has a prevalence similar to diabetes and asthma, even though it is not discussed nearly as often as those conditions. Sleep apnea is far more common than you might think!
Sleep Apnea In Relation To Other Conditions
Many sleep apnea patients suffer from other medical conditions. Some have very strong correlations, including:
- Drug-resistant hypertension: 83%
- Obesity: 77%
- Congestive heart failure: 76%
- Medical conditions that require the use of pacemakers: 59%
- Diabetes: 48%
- Coronary artery disease: 30%
The numbers above represent the percentage of adult males who have sleep apnea and those conditions. The reason why the study only covered the male population is because sleep apnea is so much more common in men than it is in women. One-fourth (25%) of middle-aged men in America have some form of OSA, compared to just 9% of women in the same age group.
Sleep Apnea In Stroke Patients
Sleep apnea is often linked to the risks and after-effects of strokes. Nearly 2 in 3 (65%) of stroke patients have sleep-disordered breathing, and 70% of recovering patients experience significant SDB after their stroke. This is one of the reasons why it is important to get treatment for sleep apnea as early as possible to reduce the amount of damage it does to your body. With proper treatment, you can open your airways at night to maintain healthy blood oxygen levels while you sleep. This will also allow your body to get a full night of rest, which will do wonders for your energy levels, blood circulation, breathing, headaches, and much more.
To learn more about sleep apnea treatments in Michigan, call Clinton Dental Center today at [phone_formatted].
