{"id":446,"date":"2024-02-29T18:43:00","date_gmt":"2024-02-29T18:43:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.schumacherdental.com\/blog\/?p=446"},"modified":"2024-03-31T18:49:17","modified_gmt":"2024-03-31T18:49:17","slug":"life-threatening-risks-of-untreated-sleep-apnea","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.schumacherdental.com\/blog\/life-threatening-risks-of-untreated-sleep-apnea\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Untreated Sleep Apnea Deadly?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"ComparisonDid you know that more than 39 million adults in the U.S. have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)? While the condition is easy to treat, 1 in 50 Americans is undiagnosed. If you\u2019ve been ignoring symptoms of sleep apnea, daytime fatigue isn\u2019t the only complication of delaying treatment. Untreated sleep apnea<\/a> puts you at risk of potentially deadly complications. Here\u2019s why you shouldn\u2019t wait to see your sleep specialist.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Obstructive sleep apnea is a common condition that causes frequent breathing disruptions while sleeping. The tongue or soft tissues in the back of the mouth collapse, creating an obstruction that restricts the airway. This can result in potentially hundreds of pauses in breathing every night. Each event can last for a minute or longer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Risks of Untreated Sleep Apnea<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Every time you stop breathing, your body is deprived of oxygen, which can lead to several serious health issues with no treatment, like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. OSA increases your risk of heart failure by 140%. In addition, 48% of type 2 diabetics also have OSA. Obesity not only increases your risk of OSA, but also diabetes and heart disease. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each breathing disruption also affects your sleep cycle. Not only can this cause fatigue, irritability, and depression, but it can lead to sleep deprivation. Sleep apnea has been connected to an increased risk of auto accidents from drowsy driving. Severe sleep apnea increases your risk of car crashes by 123%. Besides auto and workplace accidents, sleep deprivation can cause memory loss, cognitive changes, depression, and anxiety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Options for Sleep Apnea Therapy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Better nights are possible with sleep apnea therapy. Not only will you get the rest you need, but you\u2019ll also promote your overall wellness. Your sleep specialist will create a personalized treatment plan, which may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n