Unexpected Dangers of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is more serious than the inconvenience of snoring, or a restless night here and there. Left untreated, this condition can be life-threatening.

Aligning with the goal of providing the best internal medicine care in Tarzana, California, Dr. Samuel I. Fink wants patients to be aware of the hidden dangers of sleep apnea. Here’s why this sleep disorder can be dangerous to your health.

Cardiovascular complications

Sudden cardiac death is one of the most alarming dangers of sleep apnea. When breathing stops frequently during sleep, blood oxygen levels drop and the heart has to work harder in response. 

This takes a major toll on your heart over time. It’s estimated that sleep apnea-related heart disease kills roughly 38,000 Americans each year.  The added  strain can lead to high blood pressure (a risk factor for stroke), abnormal heart rhythm, heart attack, and heart failure.

Cognitive and mental health issues

The brain requires the most oxygen of any organ. Despite making up only 2% of body weight, the brain consumes 20% of the body’s total oxygen supply, and the brain is highly active when you’re sleeping. 

For these reasons, the brain is extremely sensitive to dips in oxygen supply. The frequent pauses in breathing and resulting decrease in oxygen take a tremendous toll on the brain. Apneas deprive the brain of oxygen and prevent the brain from reaching the deeper, restorative stages of sleep. 

Impaired cognitive function — such as memory, attention, and decision-making — is one of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea. The cognitive decline associated with sleep apnea can even mimic early signs of dementia.

Increased accident risk

An increased risk of accidents is another often overlooked danger of sleep apnea. The excessive daytime sleepiness common with sleep apnea can impair your ability to concentrate and react quickly. This makes everyday activities like driving or operating machinery potentially hazardous. Studies have shown that individuals with untreated sleep apnea are more likely to be involved in motor vehicle accidents.

Metabolic and endocrine disorders

Sleep apnea can also disrupt the body’s metabolic processes. The stress and inflammation from repeated oxygen deprivation can interfere with insulin regulation, increasing the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. 

Additionally, sleep apnea is linked with weight gain. The body regulates hormones during sleep, including hormones that regulate energy balance, and sleep apnea disrupts this process. A vicious cycle can occur in which sleep apnea contributes to weight gain and the weight gain reinforces sleep apnea. 

Decline in professional and academic performance

The daytime fatigue and cognitive impairment associated with sleep apnea can have a profound impact on professional and academic performance. 

Reduced concentration, memory lapses, and slower reaction times can hinder productivity and make it downright difficult to function at work and school. For students, these issues can lead to poor academic performance and challenges  learning and retaining new information. 

Testing and treatment for sleep apnea

If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea or you have symptoms such as loud snoring, morning headaches, or excessive daytime sleepiness, treatment to get it under control is crucial to your health and well-being. 

Dr. Fink can refer you for a sleep study performed at home or at a sleep center. If you have moderate to severe sleep apnea, Dr. Fink can recommend an appropriate treatment plan, such as using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device or an oral appliance while sleeping.

Contact our Tarzana office today to request an appointment to get started with sleep apnea care from a trusted specialist.