Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a potentially serious sleep disorder that can have negative consequences for your health and quality of life if left untreated.¹
 
People with this condition stop and start breathing involuntarily while they sleep because their upper airway is blocked by soft tissue when the muscles in their throat relax.² These stoppages, or apneas, can occur hundreds of times a night.³
 
The good news is that with proper diagnosis and therapy, OSA can be treated and the risks to your health could be reduced.² In this article, we will touch on the potential health issues risks sleep apnea can pose to your life and the measures you can take to reduce the consequences. 

OSA and related health complications

The cumulative effects of untreated OSA can lead to health issues, including:

Cardiovascular disease

High blood pressure: It is estimated that around half of those who have been diagnosed with OSA have high blood pressure or hypertension.⁴ These individuals can experience elevated blood pressure in the morning. As the severity of OSA increases, daytime blood pressure levels can also rise.⁵  

Heart problems: Because OSA can disrupt a person’s oxygen intake, it can worsen existing heart conditions.⁶ People with untreated OSA are thought to be twice as likely to be at risk of a heart attack than those without the condition.⁷ 

Strokes: OSA has been linked to a number of stroke-risk factors such as high blood pressure, arrhythmias, insulin resistance and heart failure.⁸ 

Metabolic disorders, such as type 2 diabetes 

OSA is associated with this health condition because it alters glucose intolerance and insulin resistance. Studies show the health risk for OSA sufferers can occur independently of obesity.⁹

Accidents 

People with OSA are woken throughout the night which can cause them to suffer extreme daytime drowsiness and fatigue. Studies show patients experiencing sleep apnea fatigue are at a far greater risk of being involved in a serious car accident.¹⁰   

Immunity system imbalance

Poor sleep quality can weaken the immune system, which can increase a person’s risk of infections, illnesses and healing. Accordingly, people with OSA may not be getting the sleep they need to be able to protect the body and fight any potential dangers. A weakened and overworked immune system can lead to chronic inflammation.¹¹

Common OSA symptoms 

Recognizing sleep apnea symptoms early enough may prevent you from developing serious complications from the sleep disorder. What follows is a list of possible OSA symptoms. Not all symptoms are listed here, and people don’t have to have all these issues to be experiencing OSA.¹²

• Chronic, loud snoring
• Breathing pauses during sleep
• Choking sensations during sleep
• Morning headaches
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Night sweats
• High blood pressure
• Memory problems
• Loss of libido

Think you may have OSA and want further information?

If you are concerned you may have OSA and want to learn more about the symptoms, read about the six potential health hazards that can put you at risk of the condition in our recent article. Undertaking our sleep apnea quiz may also provide you with further insight. 

However, diagnosis requires professional input, so always talk to a doctor if you, or someone close to you, is showing signs of sleep apnea. Your health professional may suggest you undertake a sleep study, called a polysomnography, for an accurate diagnosis. 

Treatment options 

Once diagnosed, there are a variety of treatment options that can effectively manage sleep apnea and prevent serious complications. These range from CPAP therapy, surgical procedures and lifestyle changes.¹² 

 
CPAP therapy

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the most prescribed treatment for sleep apnea.¹³ The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) endorses it as the preferred treatment for OSA, stating that it should be a therapy option for people with the condition.¹⁴

The therapy involves wearing a mask connected to a machine via a hose. The device draws in room air and delivers it at a pressure prescribed by a doctor. This consistent air pressure keeps the airway open and free from obstructions, enabling OSA sufferers to breathe more smoothly as they sleep. 

To be effective, it is crucial that CPAP therapy is used every time you sleep.

Non-surgical options

• Oral appliances or mandibular advancement devices¹⁵
• Pharmacological interventions¹⁶

Surgical options

There are several surgical procedures some sleep apnea sufferers may consider when other treatments have been unsuccessful.¹² These include:  

• Tissue shrinkage
• Nerve stimulation
• Jaw repositioning (maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) surgery)

Lifestyle changes

Weight loss achieved with regular exercise and a healthy diet can be beneficial if used alongside CPAP therapy.¹⁷ Additionally, doing exercises to tone the airway and tongue muscles, also known as myofunctional therapy, can help.
 

Frequently asked questions

How quickly does sleep apnea need to be treated?

Once you have been diagnosed with OSA, it is important to start treatment quickly. Untreated, the condition can have significant long-term health consequences.² 

Can you have severe sleep apnea without knowing it?

Yes, many people with sleep apnea are unaware of their condition because the symptoms often occur during sleep. In fact, it is estimated that around 85% of people with sleep apnea are undiagnosed.¹⁸ Common signs include loud snoring and gasping for air, but these may not be noticed, especially if you sleep alone.² 

How do you know if your sleep apnea is severe?

Severe sleep apnea is typically identified by the frequency of breathing interruptions during sleep. This is measured by the Apnea-Hypopnea Index, which defines severe sleep apnea as 30 or more apnea or hypopnea events per hour.¹⁴

This content is for educational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for the medical advice of one’s healthcare provider.