Dr. Mogell Dental Blog

Boca Raton Cosmetic Dentist

SLEEP APNEA AND DIABETES

Monday, March 17, 2008

SLEEP APNEA AND DIABETES

Think eight hours of sleep is just for kids? Think again. Research at Johns Hopkins University shows that adults who sleep for five hours or less a night, or get poor quality sleep, are at a higher risk of developing Type II diabetes. Lack of sleep may increase the release of glucose from the liver, and poor sleep quality may increase hormones that also increase the level of glucose in the blood. The rise in glucose levels can not only make you gain weight, but also increase your chances in becoming insulin resistant.

One major cause of interrupted sleep is sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a condition where the tissues in the back of the mouth and throat block the airway and cause pauses in breathing throughout the night. Sleep apnea is very dangerous. Not only does it affect your blood glucose levels, it can also contribute to stroke, heart attack and high blood pressure.

Studies also show that having Type II diabetes increases your risk for sleep apnea. The exact cause is not entirely clear, but it appears to be related to obesity. The more weight a person gains, the more tissue develops around the airway, possibly causing blockages that interrupt breathing and sleep.

Some symptoms of sleep apnea include:
Waking up and feeling tired after a night of sleep
Snoring loudly
Tossing and turning during sleep
Gasping or choking during sleep
Having headaches in the morning or at night
Having heartburn at night

Treating sleep apnea can give you more energy and improve your glycemic control, which would reduce your chances of getting Type II diabetes. These are two great reasons to discuss any sleep problems you may have with your doctor.

Katherine Danias, R.D.H ., BA,

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.