Sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder in which
breathing repeatedly stops and starts. Sleep apnea can cause
several health problems to the patients such as
- Daytime fatigue - The repeated awakening associated with sleep
apnea can cause daytime drowsiness, fatigue, and irritability.
People with sleep apnea have an increased risk of a motor vehicle
and workplace accidents.
- High blood pressure or heart problems - Sudden drops in blood
oxygen levels that occur during sleep apnea increase blood pressure
and strain the cardiovascular system. It might also increase the
risk of recurrent heart attack, stroke, and abnormal heartbeats
such as atrial fibrillation.
- Type 2 diabetes - Having sleep apnea increases the risk of
developing insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
- Metabolic syndrome - This disorder, which includes high blood
pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, high blood sugar, and an
increased waist circumference, is linked to a higher risk of heart
disease.
- Liver Problems - People with sleep apnea are more likely to
have abnormal results on liver function tests, and their livers are
more likely to show signs of scarring.