Do you often find yourself feeling drowsy and fatigued despite getting a full night’s rest? If so, you’re likely to be one of the millions of people worldwide suffering from sleep apnea. For the next months, you’re going to need the best OTC sleep aids. This common disorder causes breathing to repeatedly stop and start while sleeping, leading to poor-quality sleep that can have serious health consequences. While many people with sleep apnea may brush it off as just an annoyance, untreated sleep apnea has been related to a range of potential hidden dangers that should not be ignored. In this article, we’ll highlight some risks associated with untreated sleep apnea and why seeking treatment is crucial for your overall well-being.
Type 2 Diabetes
As mentioned, during sleep at night, your body can stop breathing. In this case, your body experiences a drop in oxygen levels, which triggers the release of stress hormones, including cortisol and epinephrine. These hormones can cause insulin resistance, making blood sugar level regulation in your body lose balance. Studies said people with moderate to severe conditions tend to trigger insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes in comparison to those without the condition. In addition, if you already have type 2 diabetes, untreated sleep apnea can make it harder to manage your blood sugar levels and increase your risk of complications such as cardiovascular disease.
Adult Asthma
Adult asthma is a chronic respiratory condition triggered by inflammation and narrowing of the airways. It affects nearly 25 million Americans and millions more worldwide, making it one of the most common respiratory diseases. Unfortunately, untreated sleep apnea can worsen asthma symptoms or make them more difficult to control. Asthma patients with untreated sleep apnea have increased bronchial hyperresponsiveness – an exaggerated response of the airway to various stimuli that cause its narrowing. As a result, they experience frequent chest tightness, coughing fits, wheezing, and shortness of breath which lead to poor quality sleep at night.
Cardiovascular Diseases
These are chronic conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, leading to various cardiovascular problems such as hypertension, stroke, coronary artery disease, and arrhythmia. The continuous episodes of low oxygen levels in the body due to breathing difficulties during sleep can cause significant stress on the heart muscles. This leads to increased blood pressure and inflammation throughout the circulatory system. Sleep apnea also leads to irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia because of improper functioning of cardiac nerves. The risk of developing atrial fibrillation (AFib) is higher among people who have untreated sleep apnea than those who don’t.
The Risk of Depression
Untreated sleep apnea doesn’t only affect your physical health but also your brain health: an increased risk of depression. While the link between sleep disorders and mental health issues may not be immediately apparent, research has proved the clear correlation between the two. These will affect how they function in their daily lives. Often, they will experience mood swings, irritability, and difficulty concentrating during waking hours. Additionally, disturbed sleep patterns can disrupt normal hormone regulation in the body, which can also contribute to depressive symptoms.
In short, untreated sleep apnea can lead to several potential hidden dangers affecting your overall health and well-being. Don’t let untreated sleep apnea take control of your life. Take action today by seeking out professional medical assistance and start enjoying better health and quality of life.
