{"id":7720,"date":"2025-02-21T10:30:19","date_gmt":"2025-02-21T10:30:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.terapiacpap.pt\/consequences-of-not-treating-sleep-apnea-health-risks\/"},"modified":"2025-02-21T10:30:19","modified_gmt":"2025-02-21T10:30:19","slug":"consequences-of-not-treating-sleep-apnea-health-risks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.terapiacpap.pt\/en\/consequences-of-not-treating-sleep-apnea-health-risks\/","title":{"rendered":"Consequences of not treating sleep apnea: health risks"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Index of contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.terapiacpap.pt\/en\/consequences-of-not-treating-sleep-apnea-health-risks\/#Fatigue_and_daytime_sleepiness\" >Fatigue and daytime sleepiness<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.terapiacpap.pt\/en\/consequences-of-not-treating-sleep-apnea-health-risks\/#Increased_risk_of_cardiovascular_disease\" >Increased risk of cardiovascular disease<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.terapiacpap.pt\/en\/consequences-of-not-treating-sleep-apnea-health-risks\/#Metabolic_problems_and_risk_of_diabetes\" >Metabolic problems and risk of diabetes<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.terapiacpap.pt\/en\/consequences-of-not-treating-sleep-apnea-health-risks\/#Cognitive_impairment_and_neurological_problems\" >Cognitive impairment and neurological problems<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.terapiacpap.pt\/en\/consequences-of-not-treating-sleep-apnea-health-risks\/#Impact_on_mental_health_and_mood\" >Impact on mental health and mood<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.terapiacpap.pt\/en\/consequences-of-not-treating-sleep-apnea-health-risks\/#Reduced_quality_of_life\" >Reduced quality of life<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.terapiacpap.pt\/en\/consequences-of-not-treating-sleep-apnea-health-risks\/#Decreased_sex_drive_and_relationship_problems\" >Decreased sex drive and relationship problems<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.terapiacpap.pt\/en\/consequences-of-not-treating-sleep-apnea-health-risks\/#Increased_risk_of_premature_death\" >Increased risk of premature death<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.terapiacpap.pt\/en\/consequences-of-not-treating-sleep-apnea-health-risks\/#Complications_from_surgery_and_medical_treatment\" >Complications from surgery and medical treatment<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p>Getting a good night&#8217;s sleep is essential for good health, but for those suffering from sleep apnea, rest can be seriously impaired. Sleep apnea is a condition in which breathing is repeatedly interrupted during the night, preventing the body from getting the oxygen it needs. Many people are unaware that they suffer from this condition, since the most obvious symptoms, such as snoring and episodes of breathlessness, occur during sleep. However, if left untreated, sleep apnea can have serious short- and long-term health consequences.   <\/p>\n<p>Constant interruptions in breathing lead to poor sleep quality, which has a negative impact on daily life and general well-being. Daytime fatigue, cardiovascular problems, metabolic disorders and cognitive impairment are just some of the consequences of this disorder. Identifying the risks associated with sleep apnea and seeking appropriate treatment is essential to avoid serious complications. Below are the main health risks of not treating this disorder.   <\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Fatigue_and_daytime_sleepiness\"><\/span>Fatigue and daytime sleepiness<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>One of the first effects of untreated sleep apnea is constant daytime fatigue. The repeated interruption of sleep prevents the deep stages of rest from being reached, leading to extreme tiredness, lack of concentration and decreased performance in daily activities. This daytime sleepiness increases the risk of accidents at work and on the road, as it can make it difficult to react quickly to unforeseen events.  <\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Increased_risk_of_cardiovascular_disease\"><\/span>Increased risk of cardiovascular disease<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Sleep apnea is closely linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Breathing pauses cause a reduction in oxygen levels in the blood, which puts pressure on the cardiovascular system. Over time, this can lead to hypertension, arrhythmias, heart failure and even heart attacks. In addition, people with sleep apnea are more likely to suffer strokes due to the lack of oxygen in the brain.   <\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Metabolic_problems_and_risk_of_diabetes\"><\/span>Metabolic problems and risk of diabetes<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Sleep apnea also has a significant impact on metabolism. Lack of restful sleep affects insulin regulation and increases insulin resistance, which increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. In addition, hormonal imbalances caused by apnea can lead to weight gain and obesity, two factors which in turn aggravate the sleep disorder, creating a vicious cycle that is difficult to break.  <\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cognitive_impairment_and_neurological_problems\"><\/span>Cognitive impairment and neurological problems<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Oxygen deprivation and lack of adequate rest affect brain function. People with sleep apnea may have memory problems, difficulty concentrating and an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer&#8217;s disease. Lack of oxygen to the brain can also cause mood swings, increasing the likelihood of depression, anxiety and irritability.  <\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Impact_on_mental_health_and_mood\"><\/span>Impact on mental health and mood<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Not sleeping well directly affects emotional stability. Untreated sleep apnea can lead to mood swings, causing anxiety, stress and depression. Irritability and lack of energy can affect personal relationships and performance at work or in social life. In addition, constant fatigue can reduce motivation and the ability to face daily challenges.   <\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reduced_quality_of_life\"><\/span>Reduced quality of life<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The combination of fatigue, health problems and cognitive difficulties can significantly affect the quality of life of people suffering from sleep apnea. The feeling of being poorly rested, together with the associated health problems, can limit the ability to enjoy daily activities and affect productivity at work. <\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Decreased_sex_drive_and_relationship_problems\"><\/span>Decreased sex drive and relationship problems<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Physical exhaustion and lack of energy can affect libido and sex life. Sleep apnea can also contribute to erectile dysfunction in men and decreased desire in both sexes. In addition, loud snoring and interrupted breathing can be uncomfortable for partners, which can lead to relationship problems and affect intimacy.  <\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Increased_risk_of_premature_death\"><\/span>Increased risk of premature death<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Studies have shown that untreated sleep apnea is associated with an increased risk of premature death. Cardiovascular complications, sleep-related accidents and metabolic problems can reduce life expectancy if appropriate treatment is not sought. <\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Complications_from_surgery_and_medical_treatment\"><\/span>Complications from surgery and medical treatment<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>People with undiagnosed sleep apnea are at increased risk during medical procedures and surgery. Anesthesia and certain medications can aggravate breathing difficulties, increasing the risk of complications. It is therefore essential to inform health professionals if sleep apnea is suspected before undergoing any intervention.  <\/p>\n<p>Sleep apnea is much more than a simple problem of snoring or interrupted rest. When left untreated, it can have serious health consequences, affecting the heart, metabolism, brain function and quality of life in general. Identifying the symptoms and seeking medical help is key to preventing complications and improving well-being.  <\/p>\n<p>The treatments available, such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, lifestyle changes and, in some cases, surgery, can make a big difference to the lives of people with this disease. Sleeping well is not a luxury, but a necessity for maintaining good health and preventing long-term illness. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Getting a good night&#8217;s sleep is essential for good health, but for those suffering from sleep apnea, rest can be seriously impaired. Sleep apnea is a condition in which breathing is repeatedly interrupted during the night, preventing the body from getting the oxygen it needs. Many people are unaware that they suffer from this condition, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[51],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7720","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-blog-en"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":{"landsacpe":false,"list":false,"medium":false,"full":false},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.0 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Consequences of not treating sleep apnea: health risks - Terapia CPAP Portugal<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.terapiacpap.pt\/consequences-of-not-treating-sleep-apnea-health-risks\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Consequences of not treating sleep apnea: health risks - Terapia CPAP Portugal\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Getting a good night&#8217;s sleep is essential for good health, but for those suffering from sleep apnea, rest can be seriously impaired. 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