It could be easy to dismiss sleep apnea as a minor problem that does nothing more than make you feel tired. The truth is, though, that sleep apnea is a serious condition — it can affect many aspects of your health and well-being! If it remains untreated for too long, the consequences can be far-reaching and severe. In this blog post, we will explore the potential risks associated with untreated sleep apnea. Hopefully, what you learn will provide powerful motivation to care for the quality of your sleep!
Heart Problems
Sleep apnea can put a significant strain on your cardiovascular system. When you stop breathing during sleep, your oxygen levels drop, which can lead to increased blood pressure. This condition, known as hypertension, is a major risk factor for heart disease.
Untreated sleep apnea can also heighten your risk of heart attacks because the repeated episodes of low oxygen levels can damage the heart muscle over time. Additionally, there is an increased risk of stroke, as the fluctuating oxygen levels can cause changes in blood flow to the brain.
Heart failure is yet another risk of untreated sleep apnea. It may occur because your heart is working too hard to keep up with the strain caused by low oxygen levels.
Metabolic Problems
If you are trying to watch your weight, sleep apnea is working against you! It robs you of restorative sleep and can disrupt the hormones that regulate appetite, leading to increased hunger and cravings for unhealthy foods. This can contribute to obesity, which in turn can make sleep apnea even worse.
Also of note is the fact that untreated sleep apnea is associated with a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The stress on your body from repeated episodes of low oxygen can cause insulin resistance, making it harder for your body to regulate blood sugar levels.
Poor Emotional Health
The impact of sleep apnea extends beyond physical health — it can significantly affect your emotional and mental well-being. Chronic sleep deprivation may lead to feelings of anxiety and depression. You might have little motivation to perform well at work, and you may no longer enjoy your favorite activities. Your relationships with others could also take a turn for the worse.
Accidents
One of the most dangerous consequences of untreated sleep apnea is the increased risk of accidents, particularly when you are behind the wheel. When you do not get enough high-quality sleep, your reaction times and alertness are impaired. This can make it difficult to focus on the road and respond to sudden changes in traffic conditions.
Untreated sleep apnea is a big deal! If you believe you have this condition, take prompt action to get on the road to higher-quality rest and improved health.
Meet the Practice
As a sleep apnea patient himself, Dr. Mitch Conditt is well-aware of how this condition can affect a person’s physical and mental well-being. That is why he is so passionate about helping people get better sleep through oral appliance therapy. If you believe you could benefit from treatment, or you have not yet been diagnosed with sleep apnea, our team is ready to guide you in your next steps. Contact our Fort Worth office at 817-527-8500.