Schedule a virtual visit with us today.

Is Sleep Apnea Dangerous?

Is Sleep Apnea Dangerous?

Does your significant other tell you that it sounds like a train roaring through the bedroom when you snore? Do they sometimes sleep in another bedroom or move to the couch? Do you wake up in the morning with your mouth parched and wide open? 

You may have undiagnosed sleep apnea. And we at Turnquest Surgical Solutions can help. Our experienced surgeons, Dexter Turnquest, MD, and Victoria Chang, MD, offer several surgical solutions to enable you to breathe freely again.

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea occurs when your airway is blocked while you’re asleep. Blood flow to your brain and arteries is disrupted, so you don’t get enough oxygen. You may not take a breath for as long as 10 seconds at a time. 

Other parts of your body respond to avert a complete shutdown of oxygen. Your chest muscles and diaphragm work overtime to push open your airway. Your body may jerk from the exertion of trying to get enough oxygen. You may start choking and gasping for breath. 

If your sleep apnea is severe, you may awaken several hundred times during the night. You’re not getting the deep sleep you need to function during the day.   

Why is sleep apnea dangerous if untreated? 

Sleep apnea is associated with major health complications if untreated. Here are some of the risks you face from sleep apnea. 

Heart attack, stroke, and afib 

You’re more at risk of a heart attack, stroke, or afib if you have untreated sleep apnea. Why? You don't have normal blood flow to your arteries when you have sleep apnea.  

Type 2 diabetes

Up to 80% of people with Type 2 diabetes have obstructive sleep apnea, the most common type of the condition. When your breathing stops for several seconds at a time many times during the night, the carbon dioxide levels in your blood increase. That leads to insulin resistance. 

Metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a group of risk factors that together increase your risk of major health complications such as heart disease, stroke, and Type 2 diabetes. If you have three or more of the following risk factors, you have metabolic syndrome: 

Car accidents 

You have five times the risk of a vehicle accident compared to those who don’t have sleep apnea. You’re much more likely to fall asleep while driving. 

Depression 

Lack of sleep can affect mood. Research confirms that sleep apnea can produce symptoms of depression. 

Affect on relationships 

If you’re tired all the time during the day, you’re likely to be grumpy and irritable with your loved ones. You may start skipping activities that once brought you joy as malaise overtakes you from lack of restful sleep. 

Treatment for sleep apnea

If a CPAP machine doesn’t work for you, we work with you on several fronts. Since sleep apnea is highly correlated with obesity, we work with you on a weight loss plan if you are overweight. 

If you cannot lose weight this way, we offer surgical weight loss. You’re likely to see a huge improvement in sleep apnea after weight loss surgery. We can also enlarge your airway by performing a tonsillectomy, which may help you breathe better at night. Ask us about other surgical solutions.

Call us or book an appointment online today for help treating your sleep apnea. We have two Houston, Texas, locations.

You Might Also Enjoy...

Immediate Benefits of Gastric Sleeve

Has the time come to take a life-changing step to improve your health? Weight loss surgery such as the gastric sleeve procedure has many benefits, and it’s about more than losing weight.

Recognizing the Early Signs of Sleep Apnea

Is it hard to get out of bed in the morning even when you’re looking forward to the day? If you think you get plenty of sleep at night but you’re chronically sleepy during the daytime, you may have undiagnosed sleep apnea.

How to Manage Your Appetite After Gastric Bypass

Are you scheduled for weight loss surgery? You’ll need to develop new eating habits after a gastric bypass. Learn more about how to manage your appetite without resorting to unhealthy foods post-surgery.

5 Surprising Benefits of Healthy Weight Control

Pick up two 10-pound weights and start carrying them through the house. That’s what 20 extra pounds feels like. Just imagine how that affects your health. Lower your risk of serious illness by controlling your weight.

Should I Have My Gallbladder Removed?

Have your heartburn and gas turned into recurring problems? Perhaps nausea is a new symptom. You could have gallstones, and if you do, you need to know when it’s time to have your gallbladder removed.