The Dangers of Leaving Sleep Apnea Untreated

Submitted by New Jersey Snoring Solutions on Sat 11/25/2023 - 09:00

When it comes to maintaining your health, you are probably familiar with the idea that diet, exercise, and healthy lifestyle factors are key. However, the quality of your sleep has a lot to do with your health, including healthy cardiovascular function. When your sleep is being impacted by sleep apnea, it can leave you with more than just feelings of tiredness in the morning. If the condition goes untreated, you may be faced with serious health issues down the line.

Cardiovascular Risk

Sleep apnea can lead to increased pressure in the blood vessels that surround the heart. It can also increase pressure in certain chambers of the heart. This constant pressure strains the heart and can result in damage. Sleep allows the body to restore itself through rest. Blood pressure naturally drops during sleep; when sleep is interrupted, it could mean the heart is not given enough time to recuperate, leading to hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and heart attacks.

Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation is a type of arrhythmia that interrupts how the blood flows throughout the heart’s upper chamber. When this flow is disrupted, blood tends to pool and clot. These dangerous clots can travel to the brain, leading to stroke.

Severe Daytime Drowsiness

At first glance, drowsiness may not appear to be a serious symptom, but it can have a severe impact on your day. Feeling tired during the day can affect your mood and ability to concentrate. However, if you are severely sleepy during certain activities, such as driving, biking, or walking, it can have dangerous or fatal implications for you and those around you.

Treating Your Sleep Apnea

Now that you are familiar with the severity of untreated sleep apnea, it is important to be aware of how you can treat it. Check-in with a qualified expert, such as Dr. Ivan Stein and Dr. Allan Stein of New Jersey Sleep Apnea Solutions, to receive a tailored treatment plan for your sleep apnea. Because sleep apnea comes with risk factors, you may be able to lower your risk of developing sleep apnea by:

• Reaching a healthy body weight
• Engaging in good sleep hygiene
• Identifying and managing your existing health conditions, such as diabetes
• Paying attention to any changes in your sleep patterns and quality

Seek Treatment for Your Sleep Apnea

Leaving sleep apnea untreated can seriously impact your health. Dr. Ivan Stein and Dr. Allan Stein are here to help you experience restful sleep free from the disruption of sleep apnea. Learn more about your options by calling our office to schedule a consultation.