Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts throughout the night. This condition affects millions of people, often without their immediate awareness. When left unaddressed, sleep apnea is linked to serious health issues that can reduce life expectancy.
How Sleep Apnea Impacts the Body
The repeated pauses in breathing characteristic of sleep apnea lead to intermittent hypoxia, meaning blood oxygen levels repeatedly drop during sleep. These oxygen dips trigger a stress response, causing the sympathetic nervous system to become overactive. This constant activation elevates heart rate and blood pressure, even during sleep, placing a sustained burden on the cardiovascular system.
Alongside oxygen deprivation, sleep apnea also causes sleep fragmentation, which is the disruption of continuous sleep cycles. These frequent awakenings, often unnoticed by the individual, prevent the body from achieving restorative deep sleep. The lack of adequate restorative sleep contributes to chronic fatigue and impairs various bodily processes, including metabolic regulation and immune function.
The combination of intermittent hypoxia and sleep fragmentation promotes systemic inflammation. Inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein, are often elevated in individuals with untreated sleep apnea. This chronic low-grade inflammation can damage blood vessels and tissues over time, laying the groundwork for numerous health complications.
Associated Health Conditions
Untreated sleep apnea increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common consequence, as the body’s stress response during breathing pauses constricts blood vessels and increases heart rate. This sustained elevation in blood pressure can lead to a greater likelihood of heart attack and stroke.
Sleep apnea can also contribute to irregular heart rhythms, such as atrial fibrillation, where the upper chambers of the heart beat chaotically. The repeated oxygen deprivation and increased pressure within the chest during apnea events strain the heart, making it more susceptible to these electrical disturbances. These cardiac issues can contribute to premature mortality.
Beyond cardiovascular concerns, untreated sleep apnea is associated with metabolic disorders. Individuals often experience insulin resistance, where the body’s cells do not respond effectively to insulin, making it harder to regulate blood sugar levels. This can progress to Type 2 diabetes, a condition that further increases the risk of heart disease, kidney disease, and other complications.
The chronic stress and inflammation from sleep apnea can also affect kidney function. Studies indicate a connection between sleep apnea and an increased risk for chronic kidney disease, potentially due to the persistent strain on the vascular system. Severe daytime sleepiness resulting from fragmented sleep raises the risk of accidents, particularly vehicle collisions. Cognitive impairment, including issues with memory and concentration, can also develop, impacting overall quality of life.
Recognizing and Addressing Sleep Apnea
Recognizing the signs of sleep apnea is the first step toward managing the condition. Common indicators include loud and persistent snoring, observed pauses in breathing during sleep, and gasping or choking sounds at night. Individuals often report excessive daytime sleepiness, even after a full night in bed, along with morning headaches or difficulty concentrating.
A professional diagnosis is obtained through a sleep study, often conducted in a sleep lab or with a home test. This study monitors breathing patterns, oxygen levels, heart rate, and brain activity during sleep, providing definitive information about the presence and severity of sleep apnea. Early diagnosis allows for timely intervention to mitigate health risks.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is a primary and effective treatment, involving a machine that delivers a steady stream of air through a mask worn during sleep to keep the airway open. Oral appliances, custom-fitted by a dentist, can also help by repositioning the jaw or tongue to prevent airway collapse. Lifestyle changes, such as weight loss and avoiding alcohol before bed, can improve symptoms. Positional therapy, which encourages sleeping on one’s side, can also be beneficial. Managing sleep apnea through these treatments can prevent or reverse many associated health risks, improving overall health and potentially extending lifespan.