Is There A Link Between Sleep Apnea And Heart Health?
Sleep should be the time your body rests and recovers. But if you have sleep apnea, your body is working overtime just to keep breathing, and that can take a serious toll on your heart. At Center for TMJ & Sleep Solutions NW, we often see patients who are shocked to learn how closely sleep apnea is tied to heart problems. If you’ve been putting off getting checked, here’s why it’s worth paying attention to.
When Breathing Stops, Your Heart Feels It
With sleep apnea, your airway becomes blocked during the night, causing you to stop breathing for short bursts of time. You might not be aware of it, but your body definitely is. Each time this happens, your brain jolts you awake just enough to start breathing again. That pattern—stop breathing, wake up, breathe, go back to sleep, repeat—can happen dozens or even hundreds of times a night. Over time, all that stress on your body can lead to serious issues like:
- High blood pressure
- Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
- Increased risk of heart attack or stroke
- Worsening of existing heart conditions
It’s like your heart is being pushed to run a marathon every night while the rest of you is trying to sleep.
Could You Have Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea often goes undiagnosed because the signs are easy to miss or attribute to other things. Maybe you’re snoring, waking up feeling tired, or struggling to focus during the day. Maybe your partner has noticed you gasp for air in your sleep. These can all be signs of sleep apnea, and the longer it goes untreated, the more strain it puts on your body.
Getting Evaluated Could Change Everything
The good news is that treatment doesn’t just help you sleep better. It can also protect your heart and improve your overall health. At Center for TMJ & Sleep Solutions NW, we make it easy to get evaluated and find the right solution for you. Many of our patients benefit from custom oral appliances—no bulky machines or masks—just a simple, comfortable device that helps keep your airway open while you sleep.
Don’t Ignore the Signs
If you’re dealing with snoring, fatigue, or anything that feels “off” with your sleep, don’t wait. It’s not just about rest. It’s also about giving your heart the break it deserves.
Call our office in Silverdale, Federal Way, or Bellevue, WA to schedule your sleep apnea evaluation. We’re here to help you sleep better, feel better, and protect your health.
