Risks of Untreated Sleep Apnea

Overview

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where a person involuntarily pauses breathing while asleep. The most common form of this condition is called obstructive sleep apnea, which occurs when the upper airway becomes blocked during sleep. If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to various health risks, including:

• Heart disease: Sleep apnea is associated with an increased risk of developing heart conditions such as high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes.
• Diabetes: Untreated sleep apnea can contribute to the development or worsening of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
• Depression: Chronic exhaustion caused by sleep apnea has been linked to the development of severe depression.
• Cognitive issues: Sleep apnea may impair cognitive function (ability to think) and increase the risk of developing dementia and poor cognition.
• Metabolic syndrome: Sleep apnea is associated with metabolic abnormalities such as obesity and dyslipidemia (unhealthy cholesterol levels), which can contribute to the development of metabolic syndrome.
• Accidents: The chronic fatigue associated with sleep apnea increases the risk of accidents on the job and on the road.

It's important to talk to your healthcare provider if you suspect you have sleep apnea to receive appropriate treatment and minimize these health risks.