The Dangers of Untreated Sleep Apnea: Long-Term Health Risks

Many people dismiss the primary symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)—loud snoring and daytime tiredness—as minor annoyances. However, OSA is a serious medical condition with significant, long-term consequences if left untreated.

Each time your breathing stops during sleep, your body experiences a drop in blood oxygen levels and a surge of stress hormones. Over time, this repeated stress takes a heavy toll on your entire system. Understanding these risks underscores the importance of diagnosis and treatment.

If you believe you might be at risk, take our free OSA screening quiz to assess your symptoms.

1. Cardiovascular System Damage

The heart and circulatory system are among the most affected by untreated OSA.

• High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): The sudden drops in blood oxygen during sleep cause your blood vessels to constrict and put a strain on your cardiovascular system, leading to elevated blood pressure both at night and during the day.
• Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction): OSA is strongly linked to an increased risk of heart attack. The strain on the heart and fluctuating oxygen levels can contribute to coronary artery disease.
• Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) and Arrhythmias: The stress on the heart can lead to irregular heart rhythms, which can increase the risk of blood clots, heart failure, and stroke.
• Heart Failure: The increased workload on the heart can eventually lead to a weakening of the heart muscle.

2. Increased Risk of Stroke

Multiple studies have shown a clear link between sleep apnea and an increased risk of stroke. The combination of high blood pressure, reduced oxygen flow to the brain, and increased strain on blood vessels creates a dangerous environment for a cerebrovascular event.

3. Type 2 Diabetes

Sleep apnea can interfere with the body’s ability to properly use insulin, a condition known as insulin resistance.

• How it works: The sleep fragmentation and low oxygen levels associated with OSA can disrupt glucose metabolism. Over time, this can lead to the development of type 2 diabetes. For those who already have diabetes, OSA can make it much harder to control blood sugar levels.

4. Impaired Cognitive Function and Mental Health

The brain suffers significantly from the lack of quality sleep and oxygen.

• Daytime Impairment: This goes beyond simple sleepiness. OSA can cause severe difficulty with concentration, memory, and executive function, often described as “brain fog.”
• Mental Health: There is a strong correlation between OSA and mental health disorders like depression and anxiety. The constant fatigue and physiological stress can exacerbate or contribute to these conditions.

5. Accidents and Public Safety Risk

One of the most immediate dangers of untreated OSA is the risk of accidents caused by excessive daytime sleepiness.

• Driving Accidents: Drowsy driving can be as dangerous as drunk driving. People with untreated OSA are at a much higher risk of falling asleep at the wheel.
• Workplace Accidents: Difficulty concentrating and a tendency to fall asleep can lead to serious accidents, especially for those who operate heavy machinery or work in safety-sensitive jobs.

The Good News: Treatment Works

While this list of risks is sobering, it’s crucial to remember that OSA is a treatable condition. Effective treatments like CPAP therapy can almost immediately eliminate the breathing pauses, restore normal oxygen levels, and allow for restful sleep.

By treating sleep apnea, you not only get your energy and quality of life back, but you also dramatically reduce your risk for all of these serious long-term health problems.

If you have any of the symptoms or risk factors for OSA, don’t ignore them. A conversation with your doctor is the first step toward protecting your long-term health.