The effects of sleep apnea
on major health conditions are currently under debate. Problems associated with
this sleep disorder include:
- High blood pressure
- Stroke
- Heart attack
- Heart failure
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Diabetes
- Kidney failure
Other Effects of
Sleep Apnea
Irregular menstrual periods
accompany apnea in about 40 percent of premenopausal women. It is not clear
how they are related, but one study reported that treating apnea helped normalize
periods.
Patients with sleep apnea
also appear to be at higher risk of glaucoma, a serious eye condition related
to damage in the optic nerve. The drop in blood oxygen that occurs during apneas may either damage the nerve directly or increase pressure in the eye, a cause of glaucoma.
Emotional Effects of Sleep
Apnea
Studies report an association
between severe apnea and psychological problems. In one study, 32 percent of
patients were found to have symptoms of depression. Certainly, daytime sleepiness
interferes with quality of life.
Effects on Bed Partner
Because sleep apnea so often
includes noisy snoring, the condition can also adversely affect the sleep quality
of a patient’s bed partner. Spouses or partners may also suffer from sleeplessness
and fatigue. In some cases the snoring can even disrupt relationships.
