The Impact of long term untreated Sleep Apnea on Your Health!

Sleep apnea  is a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleeping. It can have significant consequences on the overall health.

While some people might ignore it thinking of them as minor symptoms, if left undiagnosed or untreated, in the long-term it can be hazardous to both physical and mental health.

The most immediate effects of Sleep Apnea include feeling sleepy during the daytime and being always tired. This impacts one’s concentration, decision making power and control on one’s own behavior.

In children, Sleep Apnea can disrupt their night sleep patterns, making it difficult for them to concentrate, learn better, memorize things further impacting their academic scores.

In older adults, being severely sleep deprived can even lead to dementia.

Not just mental health, sleep apnea  also severely impacts physical health. The repeated cycle of breathing interruptions can cause low oxygen levels in the body, which can further damage one’s organs and blood vessels.

Health Risks Linked to Untreated Sleep Apnea:

In untreated, in future this can increase one’s risk of developing a variety of health conditions, including:

• Heart diseases: Sleep apnea is linked to a higher risk of heart attacks, strokes, high blood pressure, and other cardiovascular problems.
• Respiratory problems: Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• Metabolic disorders: Sleep apnea is associated with a higher risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.
• Kidney disease: Chronic kidney disease can be a complication of untreated sleep apnea.
• Cancer: Such as pancreatic, renal, and skin cancers.

If you or someone you know is experiencing  the symptoms of Sleep Apnea. It is important to recognize them and seek medical attention as early as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent the serious health complications associated with this condition.

Source:- 1. https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-conditions/sleep/obstructive-sleep- apnea/treatments.html 

                 2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31300334/