Is obstructive sleep Apnoea dangerous? What are the effects?

Absolutely. In rare cases Apnoea can be fatal. Think about it: is something that stops you breathing not to be dangerous? It has also being linked to high blood pressure, and to increased chances of heart disease, stroke, and irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias). Unfortunately, not all the long term effects of untreated sleep Apnoea are known, but specialists agree that the effects are harmful. If nothing else, the continual lack of quality sleep can affect your life in many ways including depression, irritability, loss of memory, lack of energy, a high risk of driving and workplace accidents, and many other problems. Medical Research indicates that people with untreated Apnoea are more likely to die “before their time”.

In a study conducted on a small number of patients Dr. M. J. Morrell of the Sleep and Ventilation Unit at the Royal Brompton Hospital found that:

"The analysis revealed a significantly lower gray matter concentration in the apneic patients within the left hippocampus. No further significant focal gray matter differences were seen in the right hippocampus and in other brain regions. There was no difference in total gray matter volume between apneics and controls. Conclusion. This preliminary report indicates changes in brain morphology in OSA, in the hippocampus, a key area for cognitive processing."

This is not something to ignore or trifle with. While it isn’t usually immediately dangerous, don’t take it lightly. If you think it will go away by itself – don’t – it won’t.

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