The Risks of Leaving Sleep Apnea Untreated

Sleep apnea doesn’t just rob your of your sleep; it robs you of your health as well.

Sleep apnea is much more dangerous than many people believe, and this is partially why many people aren’t always consistent about staying compliant with their sleep apnea therapy. Another big reason some sleep apnea sufferers don’t stick with CPAP therapy is because it can be uncomfortable. However, it’s essential that you know exactly what kinds of risks you are taking when you forego your sleep apnea treatment. That’s why the experts at CPAP Liquidators have come up with this list of the risks of leaving sleep apnea untreated:

#1. Heart Disease

Did you know that obstructive sleep apnea can put you at a higher risk for having a heart attack? It is thought that the stress of waking up so frequently, or possibly the lack of oxygen in the blood, is what causes this increased risk. High blood pressure and atrial fibrillation have also been linked with untreated sleep apnea.

#2. Type 2 Diabetes

There is an unmitigated link between type 2 diabetes and sleep apnea. In fact, it is thought that 80 percent or more people with type 2 diabetes also have obstructive sleep apnea. This connection is most likely due to the fact that obesity increases your risk for developing both type 2 diabetes and obstructive sleep apnea. However, sleep apnea can also cause type 2 diabetes, because a lack of sleep affects the way your body uses insulin.

#3. Stroke

Did you know that, if you suffer from severe sleep apnea, your chance of getting a stroke is three times higher? Obstructive sleep apnea is considered to be a risk factor for strokes, and this is related to the changes in blood pressure that occur when sleep apnea is left untreated.

#4. Automobile Accidents

Whether you remember waking up during the night or not, all of that time spent awake can leave you feeling drowsy and groggy during the day. This makes operating heavy machinery, like your vehicle, a lot more dangerous. If you suffer from sleep apnea, your risk for getting into a traffic accident is up to five times higher than that of someone who doesn’t have a sleep disorder. In 2013, there were 100,000 car accidents related to sleep apnea and driving while drowsy.

#5. Depression and Mental Fog

The risks of untreated sleep apnea aren’t just physical. When your body constantly lacks the sleep it needs, it can put a toll on your mood and mental clarity. Depression is a common effect of untreated sleep apnea, and it can also make it difficult to concentrate in your day-to-day life.

Don’t let a little discomfort keep you from getting the sleep apnea treatment you need. At CPAP Liquidators, not only do we have a huge selection of used CPAP and BIPAP machines, we also have a variety of accessories that make sleep apnea therapy more comfortable. Shop with us today.