Five Dangers of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by regular lapses in breathing as you sleep. Though common (it’s estimated that more than 20 million Americans have been diagnosed with it) and treatable, failure to seek treatment can lead to some potentially very serious problems. Considering that millions of Americans are likely living with undiagnosed sleep apnea, recognizing that you may have a problem and then doing something about it is crucial. Here’s a look at the dangerous impact untreated sleep apnea can present you with.

Five Major Dangers of Sleep Apnea

Here’s a look at the top five dangers of untreated sleep apnea:

1. High blood pressure: Frequently waking up during the night have a tendency to stress out your body, which can boost blood pressure levels. If you already have high blood pressure, sleep apnea may make it worse. If left untreated, it may lead to heart disease or increase your chances of suffering a stroke.
2. Heart disease: High blood pressure can lead to heart disease, but it’s worth giving this danger its own bullet point. Why? Because heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States, accounting for the death in one of every four people.
3. Daytime grogginess: Sleep apnea disrupts the sleep cycle, which can lead to daytime fatigue. Daytime fatigue can be dangerous, increasing your risk of being involved in a car accident or workplace accident. In fact, it’s estimated that people with sleep apnea are up to five times more likely to be involved in a car accident.
4. Mental/emotional issues: Many studies have linked sleep apnea with an increased risk for both emotional and mental health disorders, ranging from anxiety to depression.
5. Weakened immune system: When you’re sick or recovering from surgery, your doctor likely tells you to get plenty of rest so your body can recover. For those with untreated sleep apnea, however, recovery can last longer and you may even be more vulnerable to illnesses and infections. That’s because a lack of sleep is directly associated with a weaker overall immune system.

And there are various other side effects of untreated sleep apnea that are worth mentioning. For instance, a decreased sex drive is common, sometimes leading to erectile dysfunction in men as a result. Acid reflux may also become an issue. It’s even been linked to liver disease. Noting all of these dangers and side effects, you can see how important it is to seek treatment at the first sign that there may be a problem. The most important things to remember are sleep apnea is very treatable – and the consequences of not treating it can be very detrimental.

For more information on the dangers associated with sleep apnea, contact Kanehl Dental today.

Request a Consultation