The Hidden Dangers of Untreated Sleep Apnoea
Imagine waking up every morning feeling exhausted, despite getting what seemed like a full night’s sleep. You struggle through the day, relying on caffeine to keep you awake, dismissing it as just being overworked or stressed. For many, this persistent fatigue is a sign of something more serious: sleep apnoea—a condition that often goes undiagnosed.
Sleep apnoea is more than just loud snoring or daytime fatigue. It’s a serious sleep disorder that can have life-threatening consequences if left untreated. At North Brisbane Sleep and Thoracic in Brisbane, we specialise in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders to help improve your quality of life. In this blog, we explore the hidden dangers of untreated sleep apnoea and why seeking professional help is essential.
The Importance of Lung Health
Sleep apnoea is a sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep due to airway obstruction or disrupted brain signals. There are two main types of sleep apnoea:
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)
The most common type, OSA occurs when the throat muscles relax excessively, blocking the airway. This obstruction leads to repeated breathing pauses, causing oxygen levels to drop and sleep to be disrupted.
Central Sleep Apnoea
Less common, this occurs when the brain fails to send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing, or if the brain does send those signals, the muscles do not respond to them. Unlike OSA, there is no physical airway blockage, but breathing still becomes irregular or stops momentarily.
Common symptoms of sleep apnoea include:
- Loud snoring (though not everyone who snores has sleep apnoea)
- Gasping or choking during sleep
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty concentrating
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep
- Dry mouth in the morning
Without proper diagnosis and treatment, sleep apnoea can have serious systemic effects on your overall health.
The Hidden Dangers: Systemic Health Impacts
Cardiovascular Health Problems
Sleep apnoea puts immense strain on the cardiovascular system. The repeated drops in oxygen levels during sleep trigger the release of stress hormones, leading to increased blood pressure and inflammation. Over time, this significantly raises the risk of:
- High Blood Pressure: Sleep apnoea can cause and worsen hypertension, making it harder to control even with medication.
- Heart Disease: Oxygen deprivation and repeated awakenings increase the workload on the heart, heightening the risk of coronary artery disease.
- Heart Attack and Stroke: Disruptions in oxygen supply can contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries, raising the likelihood of heart attacks and stroke.
- Arrythmias: Irregular heartbeats, such as atrial fibrillation, are more common in those with untreated sleep apnoea.
Type 2 Diabetes
There is a well-established link between sleep apnoea and type 2 diabetes. Poor sleep quality disrupts insulin sensitivity, leading to insulin resistance and an increased risk of diabetes. Furthermore, those with diabetes and sleep apnoea often experience worsened blood sugar control, making it crucial to address both conditions.
Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity
Metabolic syndrome—a combination of high blood pressure, high blood sugar, abnormal cholesterol levels, and excess body fat—is closely linked to sleep apnoea. Disrupted sleep interferes with metabolic processes, increasing cravings for high-calorie foods and impairing the body’s ability to regulate weight. This can create a vicious cycle where obesity worsens sleep apnoea, and sleep apnoea contributes to further weight gain.
Mental Health and Cognitive Function
Chronic sleep deprivation due to sleep apnoea has profound effects on mental health and brain function:
- Depression and Anxiety: Poor sleep affects mood regulation, increasing the risk of mood disorders.
- Irritability and Mood Swings: Sleep fragmentation can lead to emotional instability and difficulty coping with stress.
- Memory Problems: Insufficient deep sleep impairs memory consolidation and cognitive performance.
- Difficulty Concentrating and Brain Fog: Reduced oxygen supply to the brain affects alertness, decision-making, and overall cognitive function.
Increased Risk of Accidents
Excessive daytime fatigue is one of the most dangerous consequences of untreated sleep apnoea. It dramatically increases the risk of:
- Motor Vehicle Accidents: Drowsy driving can be as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol.
- Workplace Injuries: Impaired focus and reaction times raise the risk of mistakes and accidents in physically demanding or high-risk jobs.
Liver Problems
Emerging research suggests a connection between sleep apnoea and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Repeated oxygen deprivation during sleep can lead to liver inflammation and scarring, increasing the risk of liver disease over time.
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Diagnosis and Treatment at NBST
Recognising the dangers of untreated sleep apnoea is the first step. At the NBST Brisbane sleep clinics, we provide comprehensive diagnostic and treatment solutions that are bulk-billed for eligible patients:
- Sleep Studies (Polysomnography): Our sleep scientists conduct in-lab or home-based sleep studies to diagnose the severity of your condition.
- CPAP Therapy: The most effective treatment, CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) keeps the airway open by delivering a steady stream of air.
- BiPAP Therapy: For patients who require variable pressure settings, BiPAP (Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure) is an alternative option.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Weight management, regular exercise, avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bed, and changing sleep positions can help improve symptoms.
At NBST, our experienced sleep specialists are dedicated to providing personalised treatment plans tailored to your specific needs.
Sleep apnoea is not just a minor inconvenience—it’s a serious medical condition that can lead to severe health complications if left untreated. However, with proper diagnosis and treatment, the risks associated with sleep apnoea can be significantly reduced, leading to better overall health and an improved quality of life.
If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of sleep apnoea, don’t wait to seek help. Contact NBST today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards better sleep and health.
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Visit us at either our Clayfield or North Lakes location and experience compassionate care in a comfortable environment, tailored to meet your unique needs.
