How Sleep Apnoea Affects More Than Just Your Sleep

A common misconception about sleep apnoea is that it simply causes sleep disturbances. It may, however, have a significant impact on your general health. If left untreated, sleep apnoea can affect your heart, brain, and even your quality of life, causing more significant problems than just sleep difficulties at night. Let’s examine the several ways that sleep apnoea impacts your life and the significance of getting treatment.

1. Increased Risk of Heart Disease

The implications of untreated insomnia on the heart are among the most worrisome. Your cardiovascular system is strained by the frequent breathing pauses caused by sleep apnoea. High blood pressure, an elevated risk of heart attacks, and even heart failure can result from this strain. You may lower these risks and strengthen your heart by treating sleep apnoea.

2. Daytime fatigue and cognitive decline

Your brain cannot reach the deep, restorative periods of sleep when sleep apnoea interferes with your breathing. Chronic weariness, memory issues, concentration issues, and slowed response times can all be consequences of this. Untreated sleep apnoea has been associated with cognitive loss over time, raising the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

3. Mood disorders and mental health issues

Sleep is crucial for preserving mental health and emotional equilibrium. Mood swings, anger, and even sadness are more likely to occur when sleep apnoea prevents you from obtaining enough good sleep. Since sleep deprivation affects their capacity to handle daily obstacles, many people with untreated sleep apnoea report feeling nervous and disturbed.

4. Weakened Immune System

Sleep helps your body heal and fortify your defences. Your immune system is weakened when sleep apnoea prevents you from getting enough sleep, leaving you more vulnerable to infections and diseases. Because of their compromised immune system, people with sleep apnoea are more susceptible to colds, the flu, and other illnesses.

5. Weight gain and metabolic issues

Weight gain is strongly associated with sleep apnoea. Sleep deprivation may disrupt your body’s hormones, which can increase appetite and make weight loss more challenging. Additionally, sleep apnea increases the risk of type 2 diabetes by causing insulin resistance. Regaining control over your weight and metabolic health can be achieved by treating sleep apnoea.

Conclusion

More than just a snoring issue, sleep apnoea is a dangerous medical illness that can affect your heart, brain, and general health for a long time. It is essential to get a professional diagnosis and treatment if you think you may have sleep apnoea. You may enhance your quality of life and sleep by taking care of the problem