The Effect of Untreated Sleep Apnea on Your Health

Sleep is the foundation of good health, yet millions of people struggle with a condition that disrupts their rest every night: sleep apnea. This sleep disorder is incredibly common in New York and throughout the country, yet it’s often not taken as seriously as it should be. Meanwhile, there are several serious, untreated sleep apnea health risks.

That’s right: sleep apnea can lead to much more than daytime fatigue if left untreated. At Silent Night Therapy, we believe awareness is the first step toward effective treatment. That’s why we created this quick guide to the risks involved with ignoring your sleep apnea symptoms. 

Why Treating Sleep Apnea Matters

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway becomes blocked or collapses during sleep. This causes repeated pauses in breathing, preventing the body from getting the oxygen it needs. The lack of oxygen pulls you out of deep, restorative sleep and leaves you feeling fatigued the following day.

However, the lack of sleep and daytime fatigue are just the beginning. Poor rest can leave you feeling groggy, unfocused, and unable to perform your best at work or in your daily life. You also miss out on critical restorative time for your body when you don’t rest well. During sleep, your body not only restores mental clarity but also repairs tissue, balances hormones, and strengthens your immune system.

The good news is that sleep apnea patients often report life-changing improvements with proper treatment. That includes better sleep quality, more energy, sharper focus, lower stress, and improved relationships. 

Health Risks of Untreated Sleep Apnea

Getting treated for sleep apnea can not only provide several great benefits, but it can also help you avoid serious health issues. Some of the health risks associated with untreated sleep apnea include:

Cardiovascular Disease

Sleep apnea puts significant stress on the heart. Each time breathing stops during sleep, oxygen levels drop, and the body responds with a surge of stress hormones. This cycle can increase blood pressure, strain the cardiovascular system, and increase the risk of heart disease, heart arrhythmia, heart attack, and stroke.

High Blood Pressure

Repeated drops in oxygen during sleep cause the body to work harder, sometimes leading to chronic high blood pressure. For patients already struggling with hypertension, untreated sleep apnea can make managing it far more difficult. 

Type 2 Diabetes

There’s a strong link between obstructive sleep apnea and insulin resistance. Poor sleep interferes with many of the body’s key systems, including the sugar-regulating endocrine system. Because of this, untreated sleep apnea may increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes or worsen existing diabetes management.

Obesity

The effects of sleep apnea can easily contribute to obesity. Poor sleep disrupts the metabolism and increases cravings for unhealthy foods. Lack of energy makes getting regular exercise far more difficult, particularly after a long, exhausting day at work. Meanwhile, excess weight increases the likelihood of airway obstruction during sleep, creating a dangerous cycle.

Daytime Fatigue and Cognitive Issues

Untreated sleep apnea leads to constant fatigue, making it hard to stay alert and productive. Many people struggle with memory loss, slowed reaction times, and difficulty concentrating when they don’t get enough sleep, all of which can affect work performance or even increase the risk of traffic accidents when a sufferer is behind the wheel. Over time, untreated sleep apnea can even contribute to cognitive decline.

Mental Health Challenges

Lack of sleep can impact mental health in various ways. If you’re constantly exhausted and struggling to perform at work, it can weigh heavily on your mental well-being. Perhaps more importantly, it becomes harder to balance your emotions if you don’t sleep enough. Untreated sleep apnea can contribute to depression, anxiety, irritability, and mood disorders. 

Why Sleep Apnea Often Goes Undiagnosed

Despite its serious health consequences, sleep apnea frequently goes undiagnosed. Here’s why:

• Symptoms Overlap with Other Issues: Daytime fatigue, irritability, and poor concentration may be attributed to stress or a busy schedule rather than a sleep disorder.
• Symptoms Show During Sleep: Many people don’t know how loud they snore, gasp, or choke during sleep because, well, they’re sleeping while it happens.
• Reluctance to Seek Help: Some people avoid treatment because they don’t want to deal with bulky CPAP therapy machines. Meanwhile, modern treatment options are far more comfortable and effective than ever.

Contact Silent Night Therapy Today

Untreated sleep apnea can wreak havoc on your daily life and your long-term health. If you’re ready to improve your life and get the treatment solutions you need, our team at Silent Night Therapy is happy to help. Contact us online or call (631) 983-2463 today to get started.

Related Posts:

The Hidden Workplace Costs of Untreated Sleep Apnea

What Health Conditions Are Linked to Sleep Apnea?