What Happens if Apnea is Not Treated?

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. This condition occurs when your breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, disrupting the natural sleep cycle. 

While the occasional pause in breathing might seem harmless, untreated sleep apnea can lead to a host of health complications that extend far beyond fatigue and disrupted sleep. If left unaddressed, the effects of apnea can severely impact your physical and mental well-being.

Understanding the risks of untreated apnea is crucial for taking the necessary steps to protect your health and quality of life. In this article, we’ll explore what happens if apnea is not treated and why seeking help sooner rather than later is so important.

Heart Damage and Heart Failure 

Sleep apnea leads to increased pressure in the blood vessels surrounding the heart and in some of its chambers. This added pressure puts strain on the heart, ultimately causing damage to the heart muscle.

Arrhythmias

Atrial fibrillation is a serious irregular heartbeat that disrupts blood flow through the upper left chamber of the heart. This disruption causes blood to pool and remain stagnant, which can result in blood clots. These clots may then travel to the brain, potentially causing a stroke.

Sudden Cardiac Death 

Some arrhythmias associated with sleep apnea are so severe that they can cause your heart to stop beating, leading to sudden cardiac death.

Daytime Drowsiness 

Although daytime sleepiness may not seem alarming, it can be dangerous depending on the situation. Falling asleep while driving or when using heavy machinery can have fatal consequences for both you and others nearby.

Metabolic Problems 

When sleep apnea is left untreated, it interferes with your body’s ability to manage blood sugar and metabolism, raising the likelihood of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. It can also cause hormonal imbalances, which promote weight gain and make weight management more difficult. These metabolic changes heighten the risk of chronic health conditions, creating a dangerous cycle of worsening overall health.  

Impact on Mental Health 

Sleep apnea significantly affects mental health, leading to conditions like depression, anxiety, and mood swings due to poor-quality sleep and chronic fatigue. The lack of restorative sleep impairs brain function, contributing to memory problems and difficulty concentrating. Left untreated, these issues can severely impact daily life, relationships, and overall emotional well-being.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Therapy 

CPAP therapy uses a mask connected to a machine that provides a continuous flow of air, ensuring the airway remains open during sleep. It is the most common and effective treatment for moderate to severe sleep apnea. Regular use can significantly improve sleep quality and reduce associated health risks.

Lifestyle Changes 

Making lifestyle adjustments, such as losing weight, quitting smoking, and avoiding alcohol, can alleviate symptoms of sleep apnea. Sleeping on your side and maintaining a regular sleep schedule may also help. These changes are especially beneficial for mild cases of obstructive sleep apnea.

Oral Appliance Therapy  

Custom-fitted oral devices, prescribed by a dentist or sleep specialist, reposition the jaw and tongue to keep the airway open. These are a good alternative for those who cannot tolerate CPAP machines. Oral appliances are compact, easy to use, and effective for mild to moderate sleep apnea.

Surgery  

For severe cases or when all other treatments fail, an expert might suggest surgical options to address apnea. Procedures can involve removing excess tissue, repositioning the jaw, or implanting devices to stabilize the airway. Surgery is often a last resort but can offer long-term relief for certain patients.

Positional Therapy  

This treatment focuses on altering sleep positions to prevent airway obstruction, particularly for those with positional obstructive sleep apnea. Special devices or pillows encourage sleeping on your side rather than your back. It’s a simple yet effective solution for positional-related symptoms.

Nerve Stimulator 

A nerve stimulator, such as a hypoglossal nerve stimulator, is a small implantable device that helps maintain an open airway during sleep. It works by delivering mild electrical pulses to stimulate the muscles controlling the tongue and airway. This treatment is ideal for patients who cannot tolerate CPAP therapy and need a more targeted solution.  

Mouth Guard   

A custom-fitted mouth guard, also called an oral appliance, repositions the lower jaw and tongue to prevent airway blockage. It’s a convenient and non-invasive treatment option, particularly for those with mild to moderate sleep apnea. 

Sleep apnea is more than just a nighttime nuisance; it’s a serious health condition that can lead to life-threatening complications if left untreated. From cardiovascular damage and metabolic disorders to impaired mental health and daily safety risks, the consequences of untreated sleep apnea are far-reaching. 

Thankfully, with a range of effective treatment options—such as CPAP therapy, lifestyle changes, and innovative solutions like nerve stimulators—managing sleep apnea is within reach. 

Take your first step towards a better night's sleep by consulting Quality Sleep Solutions. 

Book your appointment today.