What are the consequences of sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a serious breathing disorder that can have major repercussions for your health. If you suffer from sleep apnea or are at risk of developing this disorder, it is essential to know the possible consequences, so that you can take the necessary steps to protect your health.

• Excessive daytime fatigue and sleepiness. Sleep apnea is characterized by repeated pauses in breathing that can lead to microarousals and sleep deprivation. The resulting fatigue and excessive daytime sleepiness can affect quality of life and the ability to carry out daily activities.
• Cardiovascular disorders. Lack of oxygen during pauses in breathing puts stress on the heart and can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disorders such as hypertension, heart failure, stroke and heart attack.
• Weakening of the immune system. Lack of sleep contributes to a reduction in the production of cells that are important for fighting infections.
• Weight gain. Sleep apnea and weight gain are linked in a vicious circle, where one can make the other worse. Sleep apnea can cause disruptions in sleep quality and increase the levels of hunger hormones and stress, as well as lead to imbalances in the absorption of foods that promote weight gain. Similarly, weight gain can worsen sleep apnea by increasing pressure on the respiratory tract during sleep.
• Diabetes. Associated with insulin resistance, sleep apnea increases the risk of developing diabetes.
• Mood disorders. Sleep deprivation impacts physical and mental health, and can lead to mood disorders such as irritability and depression.
• Memory and concentration problems. Poor sleep quality also has a negative impact on memory and concentration, or makes them difficult to control . Multiple pauses in breathing during the night disrupt deep sleep, the phase when the brain consolidates memories. It also leads to fatigue, which can make concentration more difficult.
• Risk of accident. Lack of sleep affects alertness during the day and increases the risk of accidents, especially at work and on the road.
• Impacts on quality of life. Fatigue, excessive sleepiness and mood disorders can have repercussions for both personal and professional life, such as tension within couples or families, as well as reduced performance at work

Do you think you are at risk of suffering from sleep apnea or another sleep disorder? Take our online sleep assessment test, which allows you to assess your sleep quality.

It is important to speak to a healthcare professional if you suspect you have sleep apnea, as this can have long-term consequences for mental and physical health. Early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce the risk of complications and significantly improve quality of life.