The Risks of Untreated Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a disorder that can lead to some serious health concerns if it is left untreated. Learn more about what sleep apnea is, the risks of it going untreated, and ways to treat sleep apnea below.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a disorder which causes a person’s airway to collapse during sleep. When the airway collapses it creates a blockage resulting in a stop and start pattern of breathing. This situation often leads to the person waking several times during the night. Because those with sleep apnea rarely experience a restful night’s sleep excessive daytime sleepiness can be a sign or symptom of this disorder.

What are other signs and symptoms of sleep apnea? Loud, persistent snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea because it indicates something out of the ordinary may be occurring in the airway. Other symptoms of sleep apnea include gasping for air during sleep, difficulty staying asleep, morning headaches, irritability, difficulty concentrating when awake, and awakening with a dry mouth.

There are also certain factors that may increase the risk of developing sleep apnea. For example, if you are male, you are more likely to get sleep apnea than a female, though studies have not determined why. Additionally, there is an increased risk of getting sleep apnea for those with a narrow airway, a family history of sleep apnea, or a history of smoking.

If you or someone you know is experiencing the symptoms of sleep apnea such as loud snoring, gasping for breath during sleep, or excessive daytime sleepiness, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible. Sleep apnea can lead to other more severe issues if not treated correctly. Learn more about some of the problems that sleep apnea can cause below.

What are the Risks if Sleep Apnea Goes Untreated?

Sleep apnea can be a dangerous disorder if it goes untreated. It can lead to significant problems or medical conditions. For example, if sleep apnea is left untreated, it can result in considerable daytime fatigue. This fatigue can lead to issues such as falling asleep at the wheel. Studies show that people with sleep apnea have an increased risk of workplace and motor vehicle accidents.

Other complications from untreated sleep apnea include high blood pressure or heart problems. These medical conditions can result because your body is not getting enough oxygen to your blood putting a strain on your cardiovascular system.

Type 2 diabetes can also be a possibility of untreated sleep apnea which increases your risk of developing insulin resistance. Additionally, sleep apnea can cause liver problems and complications with medications and surgery.

As you can see, sleep apnea can be dangerous when not appropriately treated. That is why it is essential to consult a doctor if you think you or someone you know may have sleep apnea. Your doctor can get you started with treatment right away.

Using a CPAP Machine to Treat Sleep Apnea

There are a few different ways to treat sleep apnea, but the most common one is by using a CPAP machine. Other methods of treatment include dental appliances, upper airway surgery, and lifestyle changes. However, most people use CPAP or continuous positive airway pressure.

How do CPAP machines work? A CPAP machine includes a mask and tubing as well as air filters and a humidifier. The CPAP machine brings air in and pressurizes it; then it delivers this air to you via the mask. When administered at a specific pressure, the air stops your airway from collapsing in on itself and helps you get a restful sleep.

Using a CPAP machine while you sleep is a great way to treat sleep apnea. However, you must keep in mind the maintenance that is a crucial part of owning a CPAP machine. For example, cleaning your CPAP machine is very important. If you use your CPAP machine every night, it can easily collect germs and bacteria. Those germs and bacteria can lead to airway irritation, a sore throat, and other symptoms.

How can you clean your CPAP machine? One great way to clean your CPAP machine is with a VirtuCLEAN Best CPAP Cleaning Device. This device can get rid of 99.9% of germs and bacteria in your CPAP machine in just 30 minutes. All you have to do is attach the VirtuCLEAN device to your CPAP machine, put your mask in the VirtuCLEAN bag, and then turn on the VirtuCLEAN cleaning device. VirtuCLEAN does all the work of cleaning your CPAP machine for you.

Sleep apnea can be a dangerous disorder if it is left untreated, but you can treat sleep apnea with a CPAP machine, and you can clean that CPAP machine with the VirtuCLEAN CPAP Cleaning Device.