If you’re one of the millions of people who suffer from sleep apnea, you may be wondering what the consequences are if you don’t get it treated.
We’ll take a look at some of the most common health risks associated with untreated sleep apnea. Hopefully, this information will help motivate you to seek treatment for your condition if you haven’t already done so.
Sleep apnea can cause disruptions in your breathing patterns during sleep, leading to insomnia and restless nights. This can cause you to lose sleep and feel exhausted during the day.
Whether you’re constantly waking up throughout the night or struggling to stay asleep, fatigue is a common symptom of this condition. If left untreated, it can make you feel you don’t have enough energy to make it through your day.
Exhaustion is often cited as the number one side effect of sleep apnea. But what many people don't realize is that rising stress levels are also a common problem for those who suffer from this sleep disorder. In fact, a study by the American Thoracic Society found that about 60% of people with sleep apnea experience elevated levels of stress. This can lead to all sorts of problems, including anxiety, depression and even heart disease.
If you're trying to sleep and loud snoring is keeping you up, it could be sleep apnea. Left untreated, this can cause people to snore loudly and wake up frequently during the night by their own snoring.
Did you know that high blood pressure is a common complication of sleep apnea? In fact, up to 50% of people with sleep apnea have high blood pressure. If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, it is important to get high blood pressure under control. Untreated high blood pressure can lead to serious health problems, including heart attack and stroke.
If you have sleep apnea, you may not know that this condition can lead to serious heart problems. In fact, sleep apnea is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and heart attacks due to the strain the condition puts on the cardiovascular system. But there's good news: by getting treatment for your sleep apnea, you can help reduce your risk of developing heart disease.
Did you know that not getting enough sleep can lead to health problems such as stroke? Stroke is a medical emergency that can cause permanent damage or even death. It's caused by a blocked artery in the brain, which cuts off the blood supply and damages the tissue. One of the leading causes of stroke is sleep apnea. Left untreated, it can increase your risk for strokes.
Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which the body can't make enough insulin or use insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body turn food into energy. Without enough insulin, sugar (glucose) builds up in the blood. Over time, this high blood sugar can damage organs and lead to other health problems. If you suffer from sleep apnea, you may be at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. While more research needs to be done on the connection between the two, studies have shown that there is a correlation between sleep apnea and insulin resistance.
We are accredited by the Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM). This designation confirms we have met the high standards necessary to provide quality care in the treatment of sleep apnea.