Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. These interruptions or apneas can be as short as a few seconds or as long as a few minutes. It can be dangerous and lead to a number of health problems if left untreated. If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Sleep apnea can result in a number of short term consequences such as poor sleep quality and daytime fatigue. However, the long-term implications of untreated sleep apnea can be even more serious. Sleep apnea is associated with a number of health risks, including heart disease, hypertension, and stroke. Moreover, individuals with untreated sleep apnea are at increased risk for developing obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome, as well as chronic mood disorders such as depression.
Heart Disease and Hypertension
Sleep apnea has been shown to have a direct association with both heart disease and hypertension. Apneas can cause a decrease in oxygen levels in the blood, which in turn can result in high blood pressure. This in turn can lead to heart disease. In a study published in the journal Sleep Medicine Reviews, researchers found that individuals with moderate to severe sleep apnea were 4 to 5 times more likely to develop hypertension than those without the disorder. Similarly, a study published in the journal of the American College of Cardiology found that individuals with moderate to severe sleep apnea had a 60 to 80 percent increase in the risk of developing heart failure compared to those without sleep apnea.
Stroke
Stroke is another potential risk associated with untreated sleep apnea. Research conducted at the Mayo Clinic in 2011 revealed that individuals with sleep apnea are at a higher risk for both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. This increased risk is likely because sleep apnea leads to hypertension, which in turn can lead to stroke. A study conducted by researchers at Columbia University Medical Center found that in individuals with mild to moderate sleep apnea, the risk of stroke increased by 60 percent when compared to healthy individuals.
Obesity and Diabetes
It is well established that obesity is a risk factor for sleep apnea. However, the converse is also true—an increasing number of research studies are finding that untreated sleep apnea can increase the risk of obesity. A study published in the journal Diabetes Care found that individuals with sleep apnea were more likely to have an elevated body mass index (BMI) and were more likely to develop diabetes than those without sleep apnea. This is because sleep apnea disrupts the body’s metabolism, causing an increase in hunger and a decrease in the ability to properly regulate blood sugar levels. This
Depression and Anxiety
Chronic mood disorders such as depression and anxiety can also manifest in individuals with untreated sleep apnea. A study published in the journal Sleep found that 14 percent of individuals with sleep apnea manifested symptoms of depression. Another study published in the journal Nutrition and Diabetes found that sleep apnea is also associated with a 22 to 33 percent increase in the risk of developing anxiety disorders. This is likely because sleep apnea has negative effects on the body’s hormone levels, causing an increase in stress and anxiety.
Conclusion
Sleep apnea is a serious health condition that, if left untreated, can lead to a number of long-term health risks. These risks include heart disease, hypertension, stroke, diabetes, obesity, and mood disorders including depression and anxiety. It is important to consult a healthcare professional if you experience any of the symptoms of sleep apnea so that you can get an accurate diagnosis and a treatment plan. With the right treatment, it is possible to reduce or eliminate the risk of developing these long-term health consequences.
