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The Consequences of Untreated Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that occurs when a person’s breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep. These interruptions can last from a few seconds to minutes and may occur 30 times or more an hour. When left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to a range of health issues, some of which can be life-threatening.

Understanding Sleep Apnea

There are three types of sleep apnea:

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): This is the more common form and occurs when the muscles in the throat relax excessively, blocking the airway.
• Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): This type occurs when the brain fails to send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.
• Complex Sleep Apnea: Sometimes known as mixed sleep apnea, this type of sleep apnea is a combination of both obstructive and central sleep apnea.

Health Risks of Untreated Sleep Apnea

1. Cardiovascular Problems: Untreated sleep apnea significantly increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure. The repeated drops in blood oxygen levels and the strain on the cardiovascular system can lead to serious heart conditions.
2. Diabetes: Sleep apnea is linked to insulin resistance and glucose intolerance, which can lead to type 2 diabetes. The stress and lack of oxygen caused by sleep apnea can affect the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels.
3. Cognitive and Mental Health Issues: Chronic sleep deprivation from sleep apnea can lead to memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and an increased risk of dementia. It can also contribute to mood disorders such as depression and anxiety.
4. Daytime Fatigue and Accidents: The constant interruptions in sleep can cause severe daytime drowsiness, increasing the risk of accidents at work or while driving. This can lead to reduced productivity and a higher likelihood of injuries.
5. Metabolic Syndrome: This cluster of conditions, including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol levels, is more common in people with sleep apnea. Metabolic syndrome increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
6. Liver Problems: People with sleep apnea are more likely to have abnormal results on liver function tests, and their livers are more likely to show signs of scarring (nonalcoholic fatty liver disease).
7. Complications with Medications and Surgery: Sleep apnea can affect the way your body responds to anesthesia and pain medications, increasing the risk of complications during and after surgery.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Common symptoms of sleep apnea include:

• Loud snoring
• Episodes of stopped breathing during sleep
• Gasping for air during sleep
• Morning headaches
• Difficulty staying asleep (insomnia)
• Excessive daytime sleepiness (hypersomnia)
• Difficulty paying attention while awake
• Irritability

The Importance of Treatment

Treating sleep apnea can significantly improve quality of life and reduce the risk of serious health complications. Common treatments include lifestyle changes, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, oral appliances, and in some cases, surgery.

Ignoring sleep apnea can have severe consequences for your health and well-being. If you suspect you or a loved one may have sleep apnea, it’s crucial to seek medical advice and explore treatment options.

At CarePro Home Medical and Kelly’s Home Medical, we offer a range of solutions to help manage sleep apnea and improve your overall health, including CPAP machines, masks and accessories.

For more information, contact us or see some of what we carry in our online catalog.

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