While it may be more commonly affiliated with sleep-related issues, like fatigue and daytime sleepiness, OSA can contribute to a wide variety of other long-term health risks when left untreated.
Cardiovascular health
One of the significant health concerns associated with OSA is its impact on cardiovascular health.
According to the Sleep Foundation, for instance, since OSA stops you from breathing when you sleep, this causes your heart rate to slow.
However, when your brain kicks in to make you breathe again, this causes your heart rate to accelerate and your blood pressure to spike, putting an increased strain on your heart and raising your risk of conditions like hypertension, heart failure, stroke and irregular heartbeat.
Repeated pauses in breathing during the night can also reduce your overall blood oxygen level. The pauses can not only limit the supply of oxygen that reaches your vital organs but also increase inflammation levels in your body, potentially damaging the blood vessels.
Weight fluctuations
People with obesity or a BMI of over 28 kg/m2 may already have an increased risk of getting OSA, but without intervention, they also have a higher likelihood of gaining more weight because of it.
Researchers believe the weight gain may be due to the impact of sleep quality on leptin – a hormone your body releases to help maintain your weight long-term.
Put simply, when you don’t get enough good quality sleep, your body cannot produce enough of this hormone, which can make it harder for you to control your appetite and lose weight successfully.
This hormone lack, combined with the impact of daytime fatigue on decreased physical activity levels, can lead to weight gain over the long term, raising your risk of various other health conditions.
Mental health
Living with OSA has also been found to promote feelings of anxiety and depression in certain people.
Research published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, for example, discovered that – of 284 patients with OSA – approximately 16% had persistent mild depression, whereas 6% had major depression.
That said, however, other studies have shown that specific treatments for OSA, such as Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), could reverse depression and lead to an improved quality of life for patients.
Neurological health
OSA can impact more than just your mental health – it can also negatively affect your cognitive function.
Symptoms like headaches are commonly associated with the condition, mainly due to reduced levels of oxygen going to your brain. It can be especially noticeable when waking up to start the day.
However, research has also shown that OSA impacts memory consolidation and concentration while also impairing certain motor skills, such as making decisions, thinking clearly and solving problems effectively.
Other health impacts
While the health conditions mentioned above may be more typically associated with OSA, living with the condition can have various other impacts on your body.
For example, having OSA can increase your risk of conditions and health-related issues like:
Type 2 diabetes – OSA can interfere with the body's ability to regulate and metabolise glucose, which, over time, can raise your risk of type 2 diabetes.
Digestive system – having OSA has been associated with a higher likelihood of digestive-related issues, like fatty liver disease, liver scarring, heartburn and acid reflux.
Glaucoma – while the link between glaucoma and OSA remains unknown, some experts believe reduced blood oxygen levels can cause problems with your vision.
Metabolic syndrome – increased risks of hypertension, high cholesterol, blood sugar and weight gain can all contribute towards a higher likelihood of metabolic syndrome.
Road accidents – a study found that people with OSA are approximately 2.5 times more likely to be involved in road accidents than those without the condition.
Reduced libido – studies have shown that people with OSA have an increased incidence of sexual dysfunction and a decreased desire to have sex.
With links to so many health conditions, getting diagnosed with OSA is an essential first step in taking ownership of your health.
However, herein lies the critical issue – most cases of OSA in the UK remain undiagnosed. In fact, of the 3.9 million UK adults estimated to have OSA, approximately only 20% are diagnosed and on a suitable treatment plan.
Therefore, if you are concerned you could have symptoms of OSA, it’s vital to consult a healthcare professional like our team at OneWelbeck.
