Sleep apnoea is a common condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. While daytime sleepiness is a well-known symptom, leaving it untreated can have serious consequences for your overall health.
One major risk is cardiovascular problems. Untreated sleep apnoea strains your heart due to repeated drops in blood oxygen levels. This can lead to high blood pressure, increased risk of heart attack and stroke, and irregular heartbeats.
Sleep apnoea also disrupts your metabolism. The body's response to these breathing pauses is similar to a stress response, causing spikes in blood sugar, stress hormones, and blood pressure. Over time, this can contribute to type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
Beyond physical health, untreated sleep apnoea can affect your daily life significantly. Chronic sleep deprivation leads to excessive daytime sleepiness, impacting concentration, memory, and mood. It can also increase your risk of accidents while driving or operating machinery.
The good news is sleep apnoea is a treatable condition. Diagnosis usually involves a sleep study, and treatment options like CPAP therapy can significantly improve your sleep quality and overall health.
If you suspect you might have sleep apnoea, talk to our in-house Pharmacy 777 Pharmacist. Don't wait until your health is at risk – prioritise a good night's sleep and a healthier you!