Sleep apnea is a common condition, affecting more than 12 million Americans, according to the American Sleep Apnea Association (ASAA). It is as common as adult diabetes and in many ways, as dangerous. If left untreated, long-term symptoms can affect daily life, diminishing healthy sleep, causing numerous side effects like chronic morning headaches, mood changes and impaired functioning. In addition, risks of high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, diabetes and obesity increase in those with untreated sleep apnea, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI).
Fatigue
Long-term episodes of sleep apnea can interrupt sleep on a regular basis, causing sleepiness and fatigue during the day. According to the NHLBI, chronic sleep apnea may disrupt sleep three or more nights weekly, causing a person to move from a deep sleep into periods of light sleep as breathing pauses. This symptom is dangerous, as it can lead to work-related injuries as well as motor vehicle accidents. If you find yourself falling asleep often, feeling fatigued after a full night's rest or fighting sleep while driving, sleep apnea may be the cause.
Increased Snoring
Snoring may be the most obvious indication of sleep apnea. Snoring among sleep apnea sufferers may not occur every night, but as sleep apnea continues, snoring becomes worse, occurring more often and increasing in volume. The snoring is the loudest when you sleep on your back, becoming less noisy when you shift to a side position.
Chronic Headaches
Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type of sleep apnea, causing a blockage in the airway that occurs when the soft tissue in the rear of the throat collapses and closes, according to the ASAA. In all types of sleep apnea, sleep is incoherent and poor. As a result, individuals with sleep apnea may experience chronic morning headaches, due to a lack of regular sleep and inadequate oxygen supply.
Mood Changes/ Depression
Individuals with sleep apnea may exhibit mood changes, resulting from frequent episodes of unrest. Adults may become irritable and even depressed, while children with sleep apnea may behave aggressively and perform poorly in school. In addition, job performance may wane in adults, due to a lack of concentration and difficulty remembering things.
