Are you constantly tired despite getting what seems like a full night’s sleep? Do you wake up with headaches or a dry mouth? These could be signs of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a serious condition that affects more than just your sleep quality. The good news? Effective treatment exists—and the benefits extend far beyond just helping you sleep better.
At Newport Beach Dental Center, Dr. Laura Sharbash, DDS, FAGD, D.ABDSM specializes in dental sleep medicine as a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine. Her expertise allows her to offer effective OSA treatments that can transform not only your nights but your overall health and wellbeing.
Understanding Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Before exploring the benefits of treatment, it’s important to understand what OSA is. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when your airway repeatedly becomes blocked during sleep, causing breathing to stop momentarily—sometimes hundreds of times per night. Each time breathing stops, your oxygen levels drop and your body experiences a stress response.
These repeated disruptions affect nearly every system in your body, which is why treating OSA can have such wide-ranging health benefits.
1. Reduced Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
One of the most significant health benefits of treating OSA is the positive impact on your heart health. Untreated sleep apnea puts tremendous strain on your cardiovascular system.
When you stop breathing during an apnea episode, your oxygen levels drop, triggering your body to release stress hormones. These hormones increase your blood pressure and heart rate, forcing your heart to work harder. Over time, this can lead to:
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
- Increased risk of heart attack
- Higher chance of stroke
- Heart failure
Studies have shown that effectively treating OSA can help reduce blood pressure and decrease the risk of these serious cardiovascular complications. For many Newport Beach residents with hypertension that doesn’t respond well to medication, addressing underlying sleep apnea has proven beneficial.
2. Improved Energy and Mental Clarity
The fragmented sleep caused by OSA leads to daytime fatigue that goes beyond just feeling tired. Many patients describe a mental “fog” that affects their ability to concentrate, make decisions, and remember important information.
Treating sleep apnea can dramatically improve:
- Daytime alertness and energy levels
- Cognitive function and mental clarity
- Memory and learning ability
- Productivity at work or school
- Reaction time (especially important for driving safety)
Many patients report that the mental clarity they experience after beginning OSA treatment is one of the most immediate and noticeable benefits. Tasks that once seemed overwhelming become manageable, and the afternoon energy crash many experience often disappears.
3. Enhanced Metabolic Health
The relationship between sleep apnea and metabolic disorders like type 2 diabetes is well-established. OSA disrupts your body’s ability to regulate blood sugar and respond properly to insulin.
Treating sleep apnea can help:
- Improve insulin sensitivity
- Better regulate blood glucose levels
- Support weight management efforts
- Reduce inflammation throughout the body
- Improve liver function
For those already managing diabetes, effective sleep apnea treatment can make blood sugar control more consistent and potentially reduce the amount of medication needed. Even for those without diabetes, these metabolic improvements can reduce the risk of developing the condition.
4. Better Mood and Mental Health
The connection between sleep and mental health is powerful. Chronic sleep disruption from OSA can contribute to or worsen:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Irritability and mood swings
- Stress levels
When sleep apnea is properly treated, many patients experience significant improvements in their mood and emotional wellbeing. Some even find that symptoms of depression or anxiety they’ve struggled with for years diminish considerably.
This mental health benefit isn’t just about feeling happier—it can improve relationships, work performance, and overall quality of life. Many Newport Beach patients report that family members notice their improved mood even before they recognize it themselves.
5. Reduced Risk of Accidents
The daytime sleepiness caused by untreated OSA significantly increases the risk of accidents—both on the road and in everyday life. Research has shown that people with untreated sleep apnea have up to a 15 times higher risk of being involved in a traffic accident.
Effective treatment dramatically reduces this risk by:
- Improving alertness while driving
- Enhancing reaction time
- Reducing daytime sleepiness episodes
- Increasing overall situational awareness
- Improving physical coordination
This safety benefit extends beyond driving to workplace safety, home accident prevention, and any situation where alertness is essential.
Sleep Apnea Treatment Options at Newport Beach Dental Center
As a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine, Dr. Sharbash offers customized oral appliance therapy—a comfortable and effective alternative to CPAP for many patients with mild to moderate OSA.
These custom-fitted devices work by gently repositioning your jaw and tongue to keep your airway open during sleep. Benefits of oral appliance therapy include:
- Comfortable, non-intrusive treatment
- Easy to travel with
- Silent operation
- No electricity required
- High compliance rate
- Immediate use without adjustment period
Dr. Sharbash works closely with sleep physicians to ensure comprehensive care for sleep apnea patients. This collaborative approach ensures you receive the most appropriate treatment for your specific condition.
The benefits of treating obstructive sleep apnea extend far beyond simply eliminating snoring or feeling less tired. By addressing this serious condition, you’re making an investment in your long-term health and quality of life.
If you suspect you might have sleep apnea, or if you’ve been diagnosed but struggle with CPAP therapy, contact Newport Beach Dental Center at (949) 760-9212 or through our online appointment form to learn more about how Dr. Sharbash can help you breathe easier and live healthier.
