Do you know someone who snores? Maybe it’s a relative, a partner, or even you? It’s a simple act that might seem harmless or even amusing, but if it’s caused by sleep apnea, it could be putting yourself at serious risk. But why is this sleep disorder dangerous? Continue reading to see why putting off treatment for sleep apnea could complicate your health.
Chronic Fatigue and Poor Quality of Life
One of the first signs of untreated sleep apnea is constant exhaustion. Because sleep apnea disrupts your sleep cycle, you can never really reach the point of deep, restorative rest. This leads to many issues that can decrease your quality of life, such as:
- Daytime drowsiness, making it harder to focus.
- Increased risk of accidents, including drowsy driving.
- Mood swings, irritability, and even depression.
Sleep is a foundational need that should be consistently addressed every night. Over time, chronic fatigue can affect every aspect of your life including your work, relationships, and overall health.
High Blood Pressure and Heart Problems
According to the American Heart Association, people with untreated sleep apnea are two to three times more likely to suffer from heart disease compared to those who get treatment.
When your body is deprived of oxygen during sleep apnea episodes, your heart has to work overtime to keep up. The repeated drop in oxygen levels forces your heart to pump harder, increasing the risk of high blood pressure, heart arrhythmia, and even heart attack and stroke.
Weight Gain and Metabolic Issues
Lack of sleep can also make it harder to maintain a healthy weight. In addition to affecting your heart, sleep apnea interferes with hormones that regulate hunger, leading to:
- Increased appetite, especially for unhealthy foods.
- A slower metabolism, making it easier to gain weight.
- Greater difficulty losing weight, even with diet and exercise.
- Increased insulin resistance, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
This can create a vicious cycle over time as weight gain exacerbates sleep apnea symptoms, and the resulting effects further influence your weight.
Cognitive and Memory Issues
Sleep isn’t just essential for your body, it’s necessary for brain function. Without enough deep sleep, memory and concentration suffer causing:
- Difficulty focusing or remembering details.
- Greater risk of injury due to decreased reaction times.
- Increased risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Shortened Lifespan
When left untreated, sleep apnea doesn’t just affect how you feel; it can actually shorten your life. A study conducted by Mayo Clinic researchers found that individuals with obstructive sleep apnea have a significantly increased risk of sudden cardiac death. The study points to complications like heart disease, stroke, and metabolic disorders as the likely cause.
As you can see, sleep apnea is more than just a snoring problem—it’s a serious medical condition with life-altering consequences. The good news is that treatment can dramatically improve your sleep, health, and overall quality of life. So, if you suspect you or a loved one has sleep apnea, don’t wait—talk to your dentist and doctor about your options!
About the Author
Dr. Matthew Scarpitti is a talented and highly trained dentist with a doctorate from Creighton University. While in school, he rotated between multiple clinics and dental centers to provide care for the less fortunate and gain experience in multiple disciplines. Today, he continues to learn and expand his skills to better serve his patients. Call (407) 658-1111 to schedule a sleep dentistry consultation at Premier Dental Care of East Orlando or visit our website to explore other services.