Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a serious sleep disorder that can have significant health implications if left untreated. People with OSA experience repeated episodes of partial or complete blockage of their upper airways during sleep, which often results in loud snoring, gasping for breath, and frequent waking.
OSA’s health consequences are wide-ranging and can include:
- Heart problems: OSA increases the risk of heart disease, heart attack, stroke, and abnormal heart rhythms such as atrial fibrillation. It can also exacerbate existing heart conditions.
- Hypertension: The frequent awakenings and oxygen deprivation caused by OSA can increase blood pressure.
- Type 2 diabetes: OSA is common in people with this type of diabetes, and the risk of developing the condition is higher in those with untreated OSA.
- Depression and Anxiety: The chronic lack of quality sleep can affect your mood and lead to problems with depression and anxiety.
- Daytime Fatigue and Sleepiness: This can lead to difficulties at work or school, and increase the risk of accidents or injuries.
Given these health risks, it’s crucial for individuals who suspect they have OSA to seek medical advice. Fortunately, OSA is often treatable. Treatment options can range from lifestyle changes, such as losing weight or quitting smoking, to using devices that help keep the airway open during sleep, like CPAP machines, or even surgical procedures in certain cases. By treating OSA, we can mitigate these health risks and improve overall quality of life.