Obstructive sleep apnea is one of the critical sleep disorders in which the person suffers from breathing issues that occur during their sleep. This sleep disorder can lead to difficult health troubles for all individuals, it doesn’t matter what their health conditions are or the age of that person. Hence, it should be treated on time if diagnosed. The decent process of identifying the responsible reasons for sleep apnea can help to treat it properly. At the same time, you should also be aware of what happens if it remains untreated. Now we come to the point of what is the result of leaving sleep apnea untreated.
The Health Risks of Untreated Sleep Apnea
Untreated sleep apnea leads to various health risks which are mentioned below with suitable information:
Weight Gain and Obesity:
The relation of weight gain & obesity is directly proportional to sleep apnea. The excess weight gain increases the chance of generating Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) as in this stage the fat gets placed in the surrounding tissues of the airways that obstruct breathing. It also affects the hormonal balance & sleep patterns and increases the food cravings for weight-gaining, unhealthy foods. Therefore, weight loss may be more challenging for people who have sleep apnea.
Cardiovascular Issues:
Untreated sleep apnea can increase the risk of having cardiac attack rates. The reduced levels of oxygen can cause the rate of blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes & arrhythmias means irregular heartbeats.
Diabetes:
Type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance are frequently linked to sleep apnea. In this case, your body uses insulin wrongly due to the results of lower oxygen levels & uneven sleep patterns these conditions magnify the risk of diabetes. So, these conditions can be taken in hand by going through the treatment of sleep apnea.
Mental Health Issues:
Untreated sleep apnea which also causes chronic fatigue & inadequate sleep quality hurts the mental state of the mind. In such cases, the individual goes through different mood swings, depression & anxiety. Cognitive actions like memory levels, concentration & personal skills are also affected which are the basic parts of daily life Schedules.
Chronic health conditions:
As was previously mentioned, serious chronic health issues like diabetes and hypertension can have a big impact on sleep apnea. Reducing the severity of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) requires managing these problems with routine medical treatment, a balanced diet, and physical activity.
Decreased Quality of Life:
This disorder affects the daily life motivation of a person as the daytime sleepiness due to sleep apnea infills it with tiredness. This lowers the work performance of a person because of a lack of energy & increases the risk of having accidents while driving or riding vehicles on the road.
Conclusion
If you are observing sleep apnea in your health analysis do not ignore it as it can have severe health consequences, affecting your mental as well as physical health. To reduce these risks, sleep apnea must be properly managed and timely intervention is essential. For a thorough assessment and treatment plan, consult a medical professional if you think you may have sleep apnea. By taking action now, you can improve your sleep quality, prevent chronic illnesses, and boost your general health and quality of life.
