If left untreated, sleep apnea can increase the risk of health problems, including: High blood pressure . Stroke . Heart failure , irregular heart beats, and heart attacks.
What are the long term effects of untreated sleep apnea?
As a result, if left untreated, people may experience “ poor sleep quality and progressive brain damage, induced by obstructive sleep apnea” which could lead to “poor memory, emotional problems, decreased cognitive functioning and increased cardiovascular disturbances,” according to Seung Bong Hong, PhD, MD and lead ...
How long can you live with untreated sleep apnea?
If left untreated, obstructive sleep apnea can shorten your life from anywhere between 12-15 years . While there is no permanent cure for obstructive sleep apnea, proper diagnosis and treatment is necessary to alleviate its effects and to ensure that your OSA won't shorten your life.
Can you live with sleep apnea without treatment?
Without treatment, sleep apnea can lead to serious complications . It may lead to or worsen several life-threatening conditions, including: high blood pressure. stroke.
Can sleep apnea get worse if left untreated?
If left untreated, the effects of sleep apnea can get worse . Sleep is an important part of the body's recovery process; frequent interrupted sleep can raise stress levels, resulting in high blood pressure and an increased risk of heart disease. Sleep apnea has also been linked to stroke and Type 2 diabetes.
What are the warning signs of sleep apnea?
- Excessive daytime sleepiness.
- Loud snoring.
- Observed episodes of stopped breathing during sleep.
- Abrupt awakenings accompanied by gasping or choking.
- Awakening with a dry mouth or sore throat.
- Morning headache.
- Difficulty concentrating during the day.
What is the best position to sleep with sleep apnea?
Side sleeping is the preferred position for helping calm your sleep apnea. Sleeping on your right side reduces snoring and encourages blood flow.
Does sleep apnea cause brain damage?
From research conducted at UCLA over the past 12 years, experts have learned that the gasping during the night that characterizes obstructive sleep apnea can damage the brain in ways that lead to high blood pressure, depression, memory loss and anxiety.
Does mild sleep apnea cause brain damage?
OSA is a chronic disease that involves repetitive pauses in breathing during sleep. These breathing pauses can prevent your body from supplying enough oxygen to the brain. In severe cases this lack of oxygen can lead to brain damage . Signs of this damage include memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and moodiness.
How do you fix sleep apnea?
- Maintain a healthy weight. Doctors commonly recommend people with sleep apnea to lose weight. ...
- Try yoga. Regular exercise can increase your energy level, strengthen your heart, and improve sleep apnea. ...
- Alter your sleep position. ...
- Use a humidifier. ...
- Avoid alcohol and smoking. ...
- Use oral appliances.
What happens if you have sleep apnea and don't use CPAP?
Many people worry that not using CPAP for one night may put their health at risk. The risk of sudden death, stroke, or heart arrhythmia due to sleep apnea that occurs during one night of failed use is likely vanishingly small. Instead, sleep apnea is a long-term risk factor for these medical consequences.
Can losing weight cure sleep apnea?
Weight loss of just 10-15% can reduce the severity of OSA by 50% in moderately obese patients. Unfortunately, while weight loss can provide meaningful improvements in OSA, it usually does not lead to a complete cure , and many sleep apnea patients need additional therapies.
When should I be worried about sleep apnea?
The most common symptoms of sleep apnea include:
Loud snoring (Snoring as a related symptom of sleep apnea is loud and typically has periods of silence. When this type of snoring is experienced, be sure to consult your doctor to see if sleep apnea could be the cause.)
What worsens sleep apnea?
Certain medications, including muscle relaxers, sleep aids, and painkillers can worsen sleep apnea. Some of them can cause blockages, while others increase the length of time that you are not breathing each time your airway gets blocked.
Can you make sleep apnea go away?
Sleep apnea is a chronic condition. Mild cases can be improved with lifestyle changes , such as weight loss, increase in physical activity, or quitting smoking and drinking. However, in all cases, CPAP therapy remains the gold standard for treatment.
What foods help with sleep apnea?
- Melatonin Rich Foods. Melatonin is a natural sleep enhancer, and luckily, you'll find it in many fruits and vegetables. ...
- Omega-3 Foods. ...
- Tryptophan-Infused Foods. ...
- Bananas. ...
- Fatty Meats. ...
- High-fat Dairy Products.
