What are the health consequences of untreated sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a common medical condition, yet it is often underdiagnosed. When sleep apnea goes undiagnosed, it obviously goes untreated. This can have a significant negative impact on the health and quality of life of those affected.
It is important to know what is sleep apnea and its symptoms to better understand its consequences. Sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (SAHS), better known as sleep apnea, is characterized by temporary interruptions in breathing during sleep. This may seem harmless at first glance. However, the health consequences of these interruptions are very real and deserve to be taken seriously. In this article, we will explore these consequences to better understand the importance of diagnosing and treating sleep apnea.
1. Consequences to take seriously: cardiovascular problems
One of the most serious consequences of sleep apnea is its impact on the cardiovascular system. People with sleep apnea have an increased risk of developing high blood pressure, heart disease, strokes, and cardiac arrhythmias. Pausing breaths (apneas) and/or reduced airflow (hypopneas) cause drops in blood oxygen saturation. Repeatedly, these episodes lead to increased blood pressure, inflammation, and stress on the heart. All of this can obviously result in serious long-term problems.
2. The risk of type 2 diabetes
People with sleep apnea also have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This is because untreated sleep apnea disrupts blood sugar regulation and insulin sensitivity. This can lead to insulin resistance and higher blood sugar levels. Like sleep apnea, diabetes, if left uncontrolled, can have serious health consequences, including heart problems, kidney problems, and neurological complications. It is therefore another potential consequence that should be taken very seriously.
3. The consequences of constantly interrupted sleep: daytime fatigue
Frequent sleep interruptions due to untreated sleep apnea lead to excessive daytime fatigue. This can affect concentration, memory, and work performance. Furthermore, people with untreated sleep apnea are more likely to fall asleep at the wheel, increasing their risk of traffic accidents and posing a danger to themselves and others.
4. Consequences for mental health: depression and anxiety
Untreated sleep apnea can also negatively impact mental health. Chronic fatigue and sleep disturbances can contribute to the development of depression and anxiety in some individuals. These mental health conditions can, in turn, worsen sleep apnea symptoms, unfortunately creating a vicious cycle.
5. Food
Sleep apnea and obesity are often closely linked. Excess weight, especially around the neck, can compress the airways and worsen sleep apnea. On the other hand, sleep apnea can contribute to weight gain by disrupting metabolism and increasing appetite. Adopting healthy lifestyle habits and following a diet plan can help reduce excess weight and lessen the impact of sleep apnea. La Boite à CPAP offers the service of Naturopathic consultations and nutritional advice are available to help you improve both your lifestyle habits and sleep quality. This is particularly beneficial if you also suffer from type 2 diabetes, heart failure, high blood pressure, or depressive symptoms.
6. Other consequences and miscellaneous complications
Sleep apnea can also cause headaches upon waking, gastroesophageal reflux, cognitive impairment, decreased libido, and even a deterioration in skin quality. Don't hesitate to consult your doctor or your sleep specialist if you experience any of these symptoms, or if you have any doubts about the quality of your sleep.
Avoid unfortunate consequences: get a diagnosis and treatment
Sleep apnea is much more than just a sleep disorder. Its health consequences are serious and more numerous than you might think. That's why early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are so important. If you experience symptoms of sleep apnea such as loud snoring, pauses in breathing during sleep, or persistent daytime fatigue, consult your doctor or Contact us . With appropriate treatment, it is possible to reduce these health consequences and significantly improve the quality of life for people with sleep apnea.