3 Long-Term Health Risks of Untreated Sleep Apnea

You might think loud snoring or occasional fatigue is no big deal. However, if sleep apnea is behind these symptoms, ignoring them could put your health at serious risk. This condition disrupts your sleep, but it also silently affects your heart, brain, and overall wellness in ways you might not realize.

At Implant and General Dentistry of Long Island, Dr. Dean Glasser, a respected dental surgeon and professor at Columbia University’s College of Dental Medicine, and Dr. Renee Glasser, a professor at Stony Brook University’s School of Dental Medicine, understand the harm unmanaged sleep apnea can cause. They also offer personalized solutions to protect their patients and enhance their quality of life.

This blog explains three of the most well-known health challenges linked to untreated sleep apnea. 

1. Cardiovascular Problems

Sleep apnea leads to repeated drops in oxygen levels during sleep. Over time, this puts significant strain on your heart and blood vessels, contributing to:

• High blood pressure
• Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
• Increased chances of stroke
• Heart failure

When oxygen is in short supply, your body works overtime to compensate. This places your heart at constant risk.

2. Type 2 Diabetes

Did you know that people with sleep apnea are more likely to become insulin-resistant? Poor sleep affects how your body uses insulin, raising your likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes, even if you’re otherwise healthy. Sleep apnea treatment can improve both sleep and glucose control.

3. Memory Loss and Cognitive Decline

Interrupted sleep doesn’t just make you groggy. It impacts how your brain functions. Over time, unmanaged sleep apnea has been associated with:

• Memory problems
• Difficulty concentrating
• Higher risk for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia

Consistent, deep sleep is essential for memory consolidation and brain detoxification, both of which are disrupted by sleep apnea.

How Oral Appliance Therapy Can Help

Oral appliance therapy repositions the jaw and tongue to keep your airway open during sleep, which reduces apnea episodes. It’s a comfortable, non-invasive alternative to CPAP, ideal for mild to moderate sleep apnea. Custom-fitted devices enhance breathing, improve sleep, and support general health and daytime alertness.

Sleep Better, Live Healthier

Sleep apnea is a nighttime nuisance, but it’s also a serious health issue that can quietly impact your entire body. If you suspect you’re struggling with this condition, don’t wait to get evaluated. Contact Implant and General Dentistry of Long Island in Nassau County at 631-423-6767 to schedule a consultation.