Dangers Of Untreated Sleep Apnea
Sleeping well is one of the most important things you can do to help your overall health. Think of the days after you have had a poor night’s sleep. You may be irritable, feel exhausted during the day, and just not seem like yourself. There are a large number of people who feel like this every day because they suffer from a common condition known as sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which the soft tissues in the back of the throat relax during sleep, obstructing the airway and limiting proper oxygen flow. More than 22 million people suffer from the effects of sleep apnea. It is extremely concerning to think of the number of people who suffer from this condition and never seek treatment or receive a diagnosis. When sleep apnea remains untreated, it can be extremely damaging to your overall health and can lead to serious health complications.
Health Risks Associated with Sleep Apnea
Untreated sleep apnea takes a great toll on the body. When sleep apnea occurs, breathing stops multiple times a night, not allowing the body to get the oxygen it needs. The frequent airflow disruptions leads to serious health complications such as:
Extreme Exhaustion
Our bodies need adequate sleep to function properly on a daily basis. Lack of sleep can cause daytime drowsiness, and the likelihood of falling asleep randomly increases. This is particularly dangerous because it can lead to car accidents or accidents at work.
Change in Mood
Sleep apnea can cause changes in mood and behavior. Patients with untreated sleep apnea have been found to have a higher chance of experiencing anxiety and depression.
Heart Problems or High Blood Pressure
The continuous change in blood oxygen levels causes irregularities in blood pressure. It is more common for patients who experience sleep apnea to develop high blood pressure. It also increases the chance of experiencing a heart attack, stroke, or unsteady heartbeat.
If you are a current patient and are experiencing a return of symptoms or want to review your treatment plan, don’t hesitate to reach out to our office. If you are experiencing sleep apnea symptoms for the first time and have been referred to our office, we would love to meet with you. Be sure to contact our office located in Auburn & Silverdale, WA to schedule an appointment. We look forward to seeing you soon!
