The Risks of Untreated Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea is considered a serious medical condition, and when left untreated, it's associated with a range of health complications that extend well beyond poor sleep quality. Understanding these risks is part of why an accurate diagnosis and consistent treatment matter.
Cardiovascular Problems
The sudden drops in blood oxygen that occur during obstructive sleep apnea episodes raise blood pressure and place ongoing strain on the cardiovascular system. Many people with obstructive sleep apnea develop high blood pressure (hypertension), which increases the risk of heart failure and stroke — and the more severe the sleep apnea, the greater that risk tends to be. People with obstructive sleep apnea are also considerably more likely to develop abnormal heart rhythms such as atrial fibrillation. In people with underlying heart disease, the repeated episodes of low blood oxygen (hypoxia or hypoxemia) that come with untreated sleep apnea can, in serious cases, contribute to sudden death from a cardiac event.
Daytime Fatigue
The repeated awakenings caused by obstructive sleep apnea make normal, restorative sleep essentially impossible. People with untreated OSA often experience severe daytime drowsiness, fatigue, and irritability, along with difficulty concentrating — and may find themselves falling asleep at work, while watching TV, or even while driving. In children and young people, obstructive sleep apnea can contribute to poor school performance, reduced mental development, or behavior problems. The encouraging news is that treating obstructive sleep apnea can meaningfully improve these symptoms, restoring alertness and quality of life.
Complications with Medications and Surgery
Obstructive sleep apnea is also a real consideration with certain medications and general anesthesia. If you have obstructive sleep apnea, you may be more likely to experience complications after major surgery, since you're already prone to breathing problems, particularly when sedated and lying on your back. Tell your doctor before any surgery if you have obstructive sleep apnea — undiagnosed sleep apnea is especially risky in a surgical setting, which is one more reason getting a proper diagnosis matters even if your symptoms feel manageable day to day.
Eye Problems
Some research has found a connection between obstructive sleep apnea and certain eye conditions, including glaucoma and optic nerve swelling (papilledema). Successful treatment of the underlying sleep disorder typically improves the eye condition as well.
Sleep-Deprived Partners
Loud snoring doesn't just affect the person with sleep apnea — it can prevent a bed partner from getting good rest too, and over time this can strain relationships. It's not uncommon for a partner to eventually choose to sleep in another room, and many bed partners of people who snore heavily end up sleep deprived themselves.
Other Common Complaints
People with obstructive sleep apnea may also report memory problems, morning headaches, mood swings or feelings of depression, and a frequent need to urinate at night (nocturia).
How CPAP Therapy Helps
The complications above are specifically associated with untreated or inconsistently treated sleep apnea. Consistent CPAP therapy is the most common and effective way to reduce these risks by keeping the airway open throughout the night, preventing the repeated oxygen drops and sleep disruptions that drive many of these complications. If you've been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, GoCPAP carries a full range of Auto-Adjusting CPAP Machines, BiLevel & BiPAP Machines, and CPAP Masks to match your prescription. To understand your own risk level, see our guides on What Is Sleep Apnea? and Sleep Apnea Risk Factors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is untreated sleep apnea dangerous?
Yes. Untreated obstructive sleep apnea is associated with increased risk of high blood pressure, heart failure, stroke, abnormal heart rhythms, and complications during surgery, among other issues. It's considered a serious medical condition, not just an inconvenience.
Can sleep apnea affect your heart?
Yes. Repeated drops in blood oxygen during sleep apnea episodes strain the cardiovascular system and are linked to higher rates of hypertension, atrial fibrillation, and increased cardiac risk, particularly in people with existing heart disease.
Should I tell my doctor about sleep apnea before surgery?
Yes, always. Obstructive sleep apnea increases the risk of breathing complications during and after surgery, especially under sedation. Undiagnosed sleep apnea going into a major surgery is a particular risk, so it's important to disclose it even if you haven't started treatment yet.
Can treating sleep apnea reverse these complications?
Consistent treatment, most commonly CPAP therapy, can significantly reduce many of these risks over time and often improves daytime fatigue and related symptoms fairly quickly. Some associated conditions, like certain eye problems, have been shown to improve once the underlying sleep apnea is successfully treated. Talk to your doctor about your specific outlook.
Does snoring alone cause these complications, or does it require full sleep apnea?
These complications are specifically associated with obstructive sleep apnea — the repeated breathing pauses and oxygen drops — rather than snoring on its own. That said, loud snoring is a common symptom of OSA and worth mentioning to a doctor, especially alongside other symptoms like witnessed breathing pauses or daytime fatigue.