Is sleep apnea dangerous?

Sleep apnea occurs when you stop breathing during sleep. If left untreated, the condition can be extremely dangerous, even deadly. Because your brain needs oxygen to perform properly, any deprivation can lead to problems. Luckily, our bodies are programmed to wake us up when sleep apnea occurs, but this may be happening hundreds of times each night and you don’t even know it. It’s important to take sleep apnea seriously and learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of the condition.

If you wake up with headaches, are excessively sleepy during the day or have been told you snore loudly, you should get tested for sleep apnea. The sooner you can get tested and diagnosed, the better your chance of managing the condition effectively and reducing your risk of developing other health conditions.

Other diseases

Untreated sleep apnea can be a contributing risk factor to high blood pressure, stroke, type 2 diabetes, depression and other conditions. If left untreated, sleep apnea puts extreme pressure on your body, such as your heart and immune system, potentially compromising those systems.

Learn about the symptoms of sleep apnea so you can recognize the signs of the condition and possibly save your life, or that of someone you love. Arming yourself with information can also help ensure you have an informed conversation with your health care provider about your symptoms. We can and should be the best advocates for our own health, so it’s important to get involved and stay informed.

This blog post contains general information about medical conditions and potential treatments. It is not medical advice. If you have any medical questions, please consult your doctor.