Sleep apnea is a common condition where an individual’s breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. These interruptions can last from seconds to minutes and occur many times nightly. This disorder often prevents the body from receiving sufficient oxygen, leading to disrupted sleep cycles. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is an effective treatment, delivering a continuous flow of air to keep airways open. Understanding the consequences of not consistently using this prescribed therapy is important.
Immediate Nightly and Daytime Effects
When a CPAP machine is not used, the immediate effects of sleep apnea become evident both during the night and the following day. The obstructed airway leads to loud snoring, which can disturb the individual and their bed partner. Repeated breathing pauses cause fragmented sleep, preventing restorative sleep. This poor sleep quality results in excessive daytime sleepiness, manifesting as unintentionally falling asleep during routine activities.
Mornings may bring headaches and dry mouth from disrupted breathing. The chronic lack of restorative sleep also contributes to immediate psychological impacts, including increased irritability and mood swings. These symptoms highlight the immediate discomforts of unaddressed sleep apnea.
Developing Health Conditions
Over weeks to months of untreated sleep apnea, chronic stress on the body can lead to the development or worsening of several health conditions. The repeated drops in blood oxygen and cardiovascular strain elevate blood pressure (hypertension). Untreated sleep apnea also links to increased insulin resistance, raising the risk of Type 2 diabetes.
Sleep deprivation and metabolic changes can contribute to weight gain, as poor sleep affects appetite-regulating hormones. Cognitive functions can decline over time, leading to difficulties with concentration, memory problems, and reduced problem-solving abilities. The heart also experiences increased strain, leading to a higher risk of irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias).
Severe Systemic Complications
Prolonged, untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious, life-threatening long-term health complications. The chronic hypertension, persistent irregular heartbeats, and inflammation significantly increase the risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke. Constant heart strain can weaken it, leading to congestive heart failure.
Another severe complication is pulmonary hypertension, which can eventually lead to right-sided heart failure. The indirect impact of uncontrolled high blood pressure and diabetes, frequently linked to untreated sleep apnea, can also contribute to kidney disease. There is also an increased risk of liver problems, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Impact on Daily Life and Safety
Beyond direct health impacts, not using a CPAP machine significantly affects quality of life and overall safety. Daytime sleepiness caused by fragmented sleep increases the risk of accidents, particularly drowsy driving and workplace errors due to impaired alertness and slower reaction times. This reduced focus can compromise safety in various daily activities.
Sleep apnea can also strain personal relationships, especially with partners, due to persistent loud snoring, increased irritability, and reduced energy levels. The cumulative effects of fatigue and cognitive issues can lead to decreased work performance and productivity, leading to reduced efficiency, poor decision-making, and increased absenteeism. Ultimately, the untreated condition contributes to a general decline in overall well-being, diminishing enjoyment of activities and affecting mental health.