Lindsey used to be the kind of person who could tackle anything. As a project manager at a company in Fishers, she thrived on juggling multiple deadlines and still having energy for evening jogs around Geist Reservoir. But somewhere along the way, that vibrant, energetic version of herself began to slip away due to sleep apnea.
Health impacts of untreated sleep apnea:
- Cardiovascular risks – Increased chance of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure
- Cognitive decline – Memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and reduced decision-making ability
- Metabolic disruption – Weight gain and increased diabetes risk
When Exhaustion Becomes Your New Normal
It started without fanfare. Lindsey would hit the snooze button three or four times instead of her usual one. Coffee became less of a morning ritual and more of a coping mechanism. Her husband, Mark, mentioned her snoring had gotten louder, but she brushed it off.
What Lindsey didn't realize was that her body was fighting an invisible nightly battle. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, obstructive sleep apnea affects approximately 26 percent of adults between the ages of 30-70, with many cases going undiagnosed for years. During sleep, Lindsey's airway was collapsing repeatedly, sometimes stopping her breathing for 10-30 seconds at a time, many times per night.
Common signs and symptoms of sleep apnea include:
- Loud snoring
- Choking or gasping during sleep
- Daytime tiredness and falling asleep
- Waking during the night, gasping or choking
- Morning headaches
- Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat
- Struggles to focus during the day
- Mood changes
- High blood pressure
The Physical and Mental Health Toll
Within six months, Lindsey noticed daily morning headaches and her blood pressure creeping upward. Perhaps more devastating was how sleep apnea began eroding Lindsey's mental well-being.
The woman who once approached challenges with optimism found herself struggling with basic decision-making. Her relationship with Mark began to suffer as her snoring disrupted his sleep and her irritability created distance between them. She found herself too exhausted for weekend hikes at Fort Harrison State Park or dinner dates in downtown Fishers.
The Hidden Long-Term Dangers
Alongside daily struggles, untreated sleep apnea poses serious long-term health risks. Research suggests a link between severe sleep apnea and a stroke risk of three times higher than for those without the condition. There are other risks as well, including:
- Heart Disease: People with severe sleep apnea are more likely to develop heart disease
- Diabetes: Sleep apnea is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes
- High Blood Pressure: Repeated breathing interruptions elevate blood pressure
- Cognitive Decline: Severe sleep apnea can lead to significant cognitive decline
- Economic Impact: Untreated sleep apnea costs the U.S. economy billions annually in productivity losses and accidents
Lindsey's work performance declined noticeably. During important client presentations, she would find her mind wandering or struggling to recall key details. She also used to volunteer at the farmer’s market on Saturday mornings, but getting up early became torture. She stopped attending her book club meetings because she couldn't concentrate. Even walking the Nickel Plate Trail with friends felt overwhelming due to fatigue.
The Turning Point and Treatment
Lindsey's wake-up call came during a team meeting when she fell asleep while her colleague was presenting quarterly results. The embarrassment finally motivated her to seek help. Her primary care physician referred her to Dr. Jeremy Jones at Dentistry of Fishers, who treats sleep apnea.
A home sleep study confirmed the diagnosis: Lindsey had moderate obstructive sleep apnea, with her breathing stopping an average of 22 times per hour. Using advanced cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), Dr. Jones could evaluate Lindsey's airway structures and identify the anatomical factors contributing to her sleep apnea.
Rather than prescribing the bulky CPAP machine that many patients struggle to tolerate, Dr. Jones recommended a custom oral appliance for Lindsey. This device, similar to a nightguard, gently holds the jaw forward during sleep, preventing the airway from collapsing.
Life After Treatment
Within weeks of consistent use, Lindsey began noticing changes. She woke up feeling more refreshed, and her morning headaches disappeared. Her energy levels throughout the day improved dramatically.
Most importantly, her relationship with Mark improved. Not only were his nights more peaceful, but Lindsey's mood and energy returned to levels he hadn't seen in over a year. They resumed their weekend activities and planned a hiking trip to Brown County State Park.
Six months after beginning treatment, Lindsey's life looked completely different. Her blood pressure returned to normal ranges. She lost the weight she had gained because her metabolism was functioning properly again. At work, her performance improved, leading to a promotion to senior project manager.
Don't Wait for a Wake-Up Call
If you recognize yourself in Lindsey's story, don't wait for a dramatic moment to begin sleep apnea treatment in Fishers. The sooner sleep apnea is diagnosed and treated, the more quickly your body can begin recovering.
Dr. Jones and the team at Dentistry of Fishers make the diagnostic process simple and comfortable. The home sleep study eliminates the need for an overnight stay at a sleep lab, and the custom oral appliances offer a convenient alternative to CPAP machines.
If you're experiencing symptoms like chronic fatigue, morning headaches, loud snoring, or difficulty concentrating, contact Dentistry of Fishers today. Dr. Jones and his team can help you determine if sleep apnea is affecting your health and create a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle.
Lindsey is a fictional character created to illustrate the real health impacts of untreated sleep apnea.