Significant Effects Of Sleep Apnea

Heart Disease And Failure

Some of the most serious issues that can arise from ignored and untreated sleep apnea involve high blood pressure and heart problems. High blood pressure is found in almost all individuals known to have sleep apnea, opening up a myriad of problems.

For reasons unknown, but perhaps due to the lack of repairs the body usually performs while asleep, those with sleep apnea are at an increased risk for developing heart disease and suffering from heart failure. Sleep apnea is known to aggravate these conditions in individuals who already have them. Connected to this, sleep apnea also greatly increases the chances of stroke, heart attack, and other serious conditions that can greatly impact an individual's health and puts them at a much greater risk for death.

Hypersomnia Or Insomnia

Patients with all forms of sleep apnea frequently experience hypersomnia or insomnia. Hypersomnia is excessive sleepiness during the day, and it develops because individuals with sleep apnea are unable to get high-quality, uninterrupted rest at night. Hypersomnia could have adverse impacts on a patient's school and work performance, and it may impair their ability to drive safely or operate machinery. Insomnia occurs when the patient cannot sleep through the night without waking up, and this symptom can cause issues with the patient's circadian rhythm. It can be helpful for patients with these symptoms to keep a symptom diary. With proper treatment for sleep apnea, hypersomnia and insomnia may improve. The use of a CPAP machine is helpful for many patients, and surgical interventions could be appropriate for certain individuals.