7 Major Effects of Sleep Apnea

7 Major Effects of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a chronic health disorder, and if left untreated, it can result in severe health conditions such as heart trouble and high blood pressure (BP). In addition, uncured sleep apnea can make your breathing pause repeatedly in the middle of sleep. Such a  condition can also have other grave implications on the body. So, what are the effects of sleep apnea on the body? Let us discuss them here.   

Here are the major effects of sleep apnea on the body:

1. Type 2 Diabetes
Those suffering from sleep apnea have a higher probability of developing insulin resistance. It is a condition in which the cells do not respond well to your hormone insulin. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the cells do not take in insulin as well as they should, causing the blood sugar levels to surge.

2. Metabolic Syndrome
Sleep apnea is also linked with metabolic syndrome. It includes a group of heart disease risk factors, such as high LDL levels, high BP, high sugar levels, and obesity.

3. Heart Disease
In people with obstructive sleep apnea, the risk of developing a heart attack is high. Such an event might occur because of low oxygen levels in the body. Atrial fibrillation or erratic heartbeat, or strokes are also associated with this condition.

4. Eye Diseases
Sleep apnea can aggravate your risk of developing eye diseases such as floppy eyelid syndrome and glaucoma. Such developments so happens because the eyes are not protected during sleep.

5. Daytime Fatigue
Obstructive sleep apnea might wake you multiple times in your sleep. This can make restorative, everyday sleep challenging. Consequently, you may experience irritability, daytime fatigue, and drowsiness. Further, this might hamper your ability to concentrate at work, and you might not be your productive best at your job. At times, you might even fall asleep while driving or watching TV. In people with sleep apnea, the risk of workplace and motor vehicle accidents is high.

Sleep apnea might also make you depressed, moody, or short tempered. In addition, adolescents and children with sleep apnea do not perform their best in school. They may also show some behavioral problems.

6. Liver Issues
People with sleep apnea have a greater risk of developing fatty liver disease or a high-degree liver enzyme in the body. Further, sleep apnea might aggravate your acid reflux symptoms, which, can also intervene with your sleep.

7. Adult Asthma
It has been noted that people undergoing sleep apnea treatment do experience more asthma attacks. This is because the body is deprived of oxygen while sleeping. Hence, there is a chance of asthma-related attacks.

So, these are some effects of sleep apnea on the body that you should keep in mind. Beware of the signs and have a word with your doctor when it comes to getting the right treatment.