Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder where a person’s breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. This interruption in breathing can happen many times throughout the night. Unfortunately, this can lead to disrupted sleep and reduced oxygen levels in the body. It is vital to find a treatment option that works for you. Otherwise, you can develop serious complications.
Daytime Sleepiness and Fatigue
One of the most immediate effects of untreated sleep apnea is daytime sleepiness and fatigue. When pauses in breathing constantly disrupt a person’s sleep, they don’t get the deep, restorative sleep they need. This can lead to feeling tired, groggy, and irritable during the day. This can affect their ability to concentrate and perform daily tasks.
High Blood Pressure
Sleep apnea is closely linked to high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. The repeated drops in oxygen levels that occur with sleep apnea can put a strain on the cardiovascular system, leading to an increase in blood pressure. Over time, untreated high blood pressure can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other serious health issues.
Type 2 Diabetes
Research links sleep apnea to insulin resistance and developing type 2 diabetes. The disrupted sleep patterns associated with sleep apnea can affect the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels properly. Over time, this can increase the risk of developing diabetes or make it more challenging to manage the condition in those who already have it.
Weight Gain and Obesity
There is a complex relationship between sleep apnea and weight gain. People with untreated sleep apnea are more likely to gain weight. On the other hand, obesity is a risk factor for developing sleep apnea. This creates a cycle where weight gain worsens sleep apnea symptoms, which in turn makes it harder to lose weight.
Mental Health Issues
Sleep apnea can have a significant impact on mental health. Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to mood swings, irritability, and difficulty managing stress. Some people with untreated sleep apnea may also experience depression and anxiety. Additionally, the lack of restorative sleep can impair cognitive function. In turn, this affects memory, concentration, and decision-making.
Increased Risk of Accidents
Due to excessive daytime sleepiness and impaired cognitive function, untreated sleep apnea can increase the risk of accidents. This includes motor vehicle accidents, workplace accidents, and other situations where alertness and quick reaction times are crucial.
Worsening of Existing Conditions
For those with existing health conditions, untreated sleep apnea can make those conditions worse. For example, it can worsen asthma symptoms or even complicate the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Additionally, it can interfere with the treatment of neurological disorders like epilepsy.
Relationship and Social Impact
The effects of untreated sleep apnea can extend beyond physical health. It can strain relationships due to irritability, mood swings, and a lack of energy for social activities. Partners of those with untreated sleep apnea may also suffer from disrupted sleep due to loud snoring and pauses in breathing, leading to its own set of health issues.
Seeking Treatment for Sleep Apnea
Fortunately, sleep apnea is a treatable condition. Various treatment options are available, including lifestyle changes, oral appliances, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, and, in some cases, surgery. It’s essential for individuals with sleep apnea symptoms, such as loud snoring, daytime fatigue, and gasping for air during sleep, to speak with a healthcare professional.