The Risks of Undiagnosed Sleep Apnea

Women in grey singlet laying in bed with her hands on her forehead

Has a partner or roommate told you you snore loudly? So you wake up tired even after a full night's sleep? These may be signs of sleep apnea - a common but serious disorder that impacts breathing.

A concerning thing about this sleep disorder is that some people may not even know they have it. But left undiagnosed or untreated, and those with sleep apnea are at higher risk of cardiovascular and metabolic health issues. 

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts. There are 3 main types of sleep apnea

  • Obstructive sleep apnea - occurs when the throat muscles relax

  • Central sleep apnea - occurs when the brain doesn't send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing

  • Complex sleep apnea syndrome - occurs when someone has both obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea

Sleep apnea can cause a sleeping person to stop breathing for more than 10 seconds. The brain then senses that it’s not getting enough oxygen and it wakes the person up. This can happen numerous times throughout the night, severely impacting the amount of sleep the individual gets. 

The symptoms of sleep apnea

It’s important to be able to recognise the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea so that you can seek medical treatment. Some signs include:

  • Loud snoring

  • Stopping breathing repeatedly during sleep (this is usually reported by another person)

  • Gasping for air during sleep

  • Waking up with a dry mouth

  • Morning headache

  • Difficulty staying asleep (insomnia)

  • Feeling fatigued during the day (hypersomnia)

  • Difficulty paying attention while awake

  • Irritability

Why is sleep apnea so dangerous?

Left undiagnosed or untreated, sleep apnea can lead to a number of other health complications. 

1. High blood pressure

If you already have high blood pressure, sleep apnea may make things worse. Constant disruptions during sleep can cause sudden drops in blood oxygen levels and increase blood pressure, putting strain on the cardiovascular system.

2. Increased risk for pregnant people

Pregnant women face a higher risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea due to having higher levels of oestrogen. This can cause the mucus membranes in the nose to swell, leading to nasal congestion. Sleep apnea in pregnant women can lead to other complications such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. 

3. Heart disease 

People with sleep apnea are more prone to heart attacks due to low oxygen levels. Research has shown that strokes and atrial fibrillation are commonly linked to sleep apnea. Sleep apnea changes the way your body uses oxygen, making it hard for your brain to control how blood flows in your arteries and the brain itself. 

4. Type 2 diabetes

Sleep apnea may increase your risk of developing insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Not getting enough rest may stop your body from using insulin properly, leading to diabetes. It’s said that 80% of people with type 2 diabetes also have sleep apnea. 

5. Weight gain

People who are overweight have increased chances of developing sleep apnea, but having the sleep disorder could also make it difficult to shed pounds. When you’re overweight, you may have excessive fat in your neck, which can block breathing at night. Sleep apnea also causes your body to release the hormone ghrelin, which can make you crave carbs and sweets. 

6. Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic Syndrome is a group of health conditions, including high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, high blood sugar and excess body fat, that have been linked with sleep apnea. Metabolic Syndrome increases your risk of heart disease and diabetes. 

7. Depression

Poor sleep from sleep apnea may increase the risk of developing depression (and can make depression worse for those who already suffer from it), as it leads to constant fatigue, both mental and physical. 

7. Memory loss

Some people (especially older people) who suffer from sleep apnea are at higher risk of memory loss or cognitive issues. The condition is referred to as Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Reports have shown that memory slips from MCI may develop sooner when someone suffers from sleep apnea. 

8. Asthma

Research has shown a positive correlation between sleep apnea and asthma. It appears that many that suffer from the sleep disorder are also likely to experience asthma symptoms. 

9. Liver issues

Studies have shown that undiagnosed sleep apnea can worsen nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. 

10. Complications with medications and surgery

Sleep apnea can also impact certain medications and general anaesthesia. People with sleep apnea face an increased risk of experiencing complications after major surgeries as they’re prone to breathing issues when lying down on their backs. It’s therefore very important to notify your doctor of the existing sleep disorder before your surgery day. 

Treatments for sleep apnea

There are many ways to treat sleep apnea and reduce the risk of developing other complications. One of these treatments uses a Continue Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine to help sufferers breathe easier at night. Other treatment options include lifestyle changes (for mild cases), mouth appliances, nerve stimulators, and surgery. 

It’s best to consult with your doctor to determine the best treatment option for you. While the complications listed above may sound scary, sleep apnea there are many treatment options available to help sufferers get a better night’s sleep and reduce the risk of further complications. 

Key takeaway

Sleep apnea is a serious disorder that significantly impacts the way you breathe as you sleep. The disorder shouldn’t be underestimated, because if left untreated, it could lead to many other health complications. 

Fortunately, there are many treatment options. If you think you may have sleep apnea, you should seek medical attention immediately, as early detection, diagnosis and treatment will be very important to reduce the risk of developing further complications.

IF YOU’RE EXPERIENCING PERSISTENT DISRUPTIONS TO YOUR SLEEP, CONSULT WITH A PHARMACIST OR TRUSTED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL TO DISCUSS POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS.

Any advice provided in this content is of a general nature and does not take into account your objectives, health or needs. The information in this post is not intended to substitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be exclusively relied on to diagnose or manage a medical condition. You need to consider the appropriateness of any information or general advice we give you, having regard to your personal situation, before acting on our advice or purchasing any over-the-counter sleep product.

Peter Shakespeare