The Life-Threatening Dangers of Untreated Sleep Apnea

If you have sleep apnea in Boca Raton, you are probably all too familiar with its day-to-day consequences. You likely feel tired quite often, and you may find it difficult to focus while you are at work. But is your condition just an annoyance? Far from it. Left untreated, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can worsen or perhaps even cause some serious, life-threatening health problems. Continue reading to discover how OSA might affect your overall wellness.

Heart Disease

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. OSA may contribute to its development by increasing the risk of high blood pressure. Additionally, people with OSA are more likely than the general population to suffer from a heart attack. This may be because OSA lowers the body’s blood oxygen levels, which in turn interferes with your brain’s ability to control blood flow through your arteries.

Diabetes

Research indicates that up to 80% of people with type 2 diabetes may also have OSA. This strong correlation could be related to the fact that a lack of sleep can interfere with how your body uses insulin, which can worsen or possibly cause diabetes.

Weight Gain

Poor quality sleep disrupts hormone levels throughout your body, including the hormones that control appetite and satiety. Sleep-deprived individuals are more likely to crave sugary, fatty foods than people who get enough rest. Additionally, feeling tired all the time may limit the amount of physical activity you get, which can also contribute to unwanted weight gain.

Car Accidents

Research indicates that people with sleep apnea are 2.5 times more likely to be the driver in a motor vehicle collision than people who are well-rested. A lack of high-quality rest slows down reaction times and may make you less aware of your surroundings.

Mental Health Disorders

There is a strong correlation between obstructive sleep apnea and an increased risk of mental health disorders. In fact, roughly half of adults with OSA suffer from some degree of anxiety or depression. This may be because the continual disruptions in sleep caused by apneas (periods of not breathing) affect chemicals in the brain.

What You Can Do

The above information may seem to paint a grim picture, but fortunately, OSA is relatively easy to treat. Once you are diagnosed with it, your doctor may recommend that you use an oral appliance or a CPAP machine. Both types of treatments are designed to facilitate uninterrupted breathing throughout the night, but many patients prefer an oral appliance due to its convenience and ease of use. Once you begin OSA treatment, it may be easier to manage other health conditions.

Untreated OSA can wreck your health! Seeking treatment for this disorder could help you live a healthier, happier, and longer life.

Meet the Sleep Apnea Expert

Dr. Kenneth Mogell has been helping people conquer OSA via oral appliance therapy for more than 10 years. If you have questions about sleep apnea or how to address it, he would be pleased to talk with you. Contact our Boca Raton office at 561-353-5252.