The message is simple—if you have sleep apnea, you need to get treated!
Dr. Aliya Ferouz Colburn
on Health Risks of Sleep Apnea
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Health Risks of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea can be a life-threatening sleep disorder.
People with sleep apnea have higher chances of serious health problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and obesity.
- High Blood Pressure: 1 in 3 people with high blood pressure also have sleep apnea. In patients who take multiple medications to control their blood pressure, that number is much higher. Treatment for sleep apnea may help to lower blood pressure levels and benefit heart health.
- Heart Disease: Sleep apnea may place a patient at higher risk for heart disease and stroke. CPAP therapy is associated with a lowered risk of heart disease.
- Diabetes: More than 1 in 2 people with type 2 diabetes also suffer from sleep apnea. Studies show that sleep apnea may affect the body’s ability to use glucose and insulin.
- Obesity/Overweight: Studies have shown that sleep is important in weight management. Sleep apnea disrupts sleep, which can make losing weight more difficult.
Treating sleep apnea may reduce the risk of developing other serious health conditions by helping to lower blood pressure, improve heart function, and manage glucose levels. Treatment of sleep apnea has been shown to improve a person's overall quality of life and increase energy throughout the day.
