Is obstructive sleep apnea dangerous? What are the effects?
Absolutely. In rare cases, apnea can be fatal. Think about it: is something that makes you stop breathing something you consider to not be dangerous? It has also been linked to high blood pressure and to increased chances of heart disease, stroke, and irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias). Unfortunately, not all of the long-term effects of untreated sleep apnoea are known, but specialists generally agree that the effects are harmful. If nothing else, the continual lack of quality sleep can affect your life in many ways including depression, irritability, loss of memory, lack of energy, a high risk of auto and workplace accidents, and many other problems. This is not something to ignore or trifle with. While it isn’t usually immediately dangerous, don’t take it lightly. If you think it will go away by itself – don’t. It won’t.
