--- title: Health Effects of Sleep Apnea | Advanced Sleep Medicine Services, Inc. | The Sleep Experts® description: Sleep apnea puts you at higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, cognitive damage, sexual dysfunction, and auto accidents. --- **[![ASMS_logo_shadow_round](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ASMS_logo_shadow_round.png?width=200&name=ASMS_logo_shadow_round.png "ASMS_logo_shadow_round")](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/)** **Advanced Sleep Medicine Services, Inc.** The Sleep Experts`®` (877) 775-3377 # Health Effects of Sleep Apnea ## *What are the consequences of having this untreated sleep disorder? * Sleep apnea is a serious issue. If you don't think so already, this should convince you: an 18-year study found that people with sleep apnea were 3 times more likely to die during the study than healthy people, from any cause1.  **That's right: sleep apnea patients die at 3x the rate of normal sleepers.** Here are just some of the health risks associated with sleep apnea.  ### Heart Disease - People with sleep apnea are more likely to have high blood pressure, heart arrhythmias, strokes, and heart failure. - **50% or more **of cardiovascular patients have sleep apnea, compared to less than 5% in the overall population2-3 - In patients with heart failure, those with sleep apnea died at **twice the rate** of the healthy sleepers4  - [Learn more about sleep apnea and heart disease.](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/the-link-between-sleep-apnea-and-heart-disease) ![half_of_heart_patients_have_sleep_apnea](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/half_of_heart_patients_have_sleep_apnea.jpg) ### High Blood Pressure - Severity of sleep apnea is directly correlated to increasing blood pressure, regardless of sex, age, and other factors5-6 - **37%** of people with high blood pressure and **83%** of people with drug-resistent hypertension have sleep apnea7-8 - People with moderate to severe sleep apnea are **3 times as likely** to have high blood pressure as their healthy counterparts9 - [Learn more about sleep apnea and high blood pressure.](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/using-a-cpap-machine-reduces-blood-pressure) ![3x_more_likely_to_have_hypertension](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/3x_more_likely_to_have_hypertension.jpg) ### Stroke - **65% **of stroke patients have sleep apnea10 - As many as **50%** of strokes occur at night or within one hour of waking up--right when sleep apnea is putting the greatest strain on the body10 - Stroke patients with sleep apnea have higher mortality rates and function more poorly than normal sleepers11 ![65_of_stroke_victims_have_sleep_apnea_2](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/65_of_stroke_victims_have_sleep_apnea_2.jpg) ### Diabetes - **Half **of people with type two diabetes have sleep apnea12 - People with mdoerate to severe sleep apnea are **over twice as likely **to be diagnosed with diabetes13  - Sleep apnea is associated with increased glucose intolerance and insulin resistance14 - [Learn more about sleep apnea and diabetes.](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/sleepbetterblog/sleep-apnea-leads-to-increased-risk-of-diabetes) ![doubled_risk_of_diabetes](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/doubled_risk_of_diabetes.jpg) ### Cognitive Damage/Dementia - People with sleep apnea experience irritability, lack of concentration, impaired memory formation, and forgetfulness - Studies have shown that grey matter concentration and the size of parts of the brain important to memory formation are decreased in patients with sleep apnea15-16 - [Learn more about sleep apnea and brain damage.](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/sleepbetterblog/how-does-sleep-apnea-impact-the-brain) - People with sleep apnea experience the onset of dementia **10 years earlier** than normal sleepers (at 77 versus 90 years old)17 - [Learn more about sleep apnea and dementia.](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/sleepbetterblog/sleep-apnea-and-dementia-how-sleeping-saves-your-brain) ![dementia_10_years_earlier](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/dementia_10_years_earlier.jpg) ### Sexual Dysfunction - Men with [erectile dysufnction](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/erectile-dysfunction-and-sleep-apnea) are more than **twice as likely** as their normal counterparts to have sleep apnea18 - Sleep deprivation [decreases sexual desire](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/sufficient-sleep-improves-libido-in-women) in women19 and makes it harder to conceive20 - Couples where one or both partners suffer from a sleep disorder may have [trouble conceiving](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/sleepbetterblog/infertility-and-sleep-disorders-a-proven-link).  ![2x_as_likely_erectile_dysfunction](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/2x_as_likely_erectile_dysfunction.jpg) ### **I**ncreased Risk of Accidents - People with sleep apnea are **2-3 times more likely to be in a car crash**21** ** - Driving while sleep-deprived is just as dangerous as driving drunk; they both **double** the risk of being in an accident22 - [Learn more about sleep apnea and auto accidents.](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/sleepbetterblog/driving-drowsy-vs-driving-drunk) ![3x_more_likely_car_crash](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/3x_more_likely_car_crash.jpg) ## The Negative Effects of Sleep Apnea Sleep Apnea can damage your body, brain, and mind. ![body_icon](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hs-fs/hubfs/body_icon.png?width=102&name=body_icon.png) #### Body The oxygen deprivation that occurs during an apnea puts serious strain on your body. The heart struggles to pump enough blood around the body, leading to heart disease and high blood pressure. Other conditions like diabetes, liver damage, and sexual dysfunction have also been connected to sleep apnea.  ![brain_icon](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hs-fs/hubfs/brain_icon.png?width=102&name=brain_icon.png) #### Brain Oxygen deprivation and lack of sleep takes a toll on your brain. Research has shown that sleep apnea actually decreases the amount of white and gray matter in the brain. Sufferers experience decreased cognitive function and  decreased memory. They are also at greater risk of developing dementia. ![mind_and_heart_icon](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hs-fs/hubfs/mind_and_heart_icon.png?width=102&name=mind_and_heart_icon.png) #### Mind Sleep apnea has a mental and emotional toll. Sleep deprivation causes stress, moodiness, and irritability, which can put a strain on relationships. Studies have shown that sleep apnea is related to depression. Also, the snoring, tossing and turning, and decreased fertilty can alienate a bed partner. ### Are you concerned about the negative effects of sleep apnea?  Thankfully, sleep apnea treatment can effectively prevent or even reverse some of these negative health effects. Start your treatment journey by getting tested for sleep apnea.   [![Request sleep study](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/299691/3475ae5e-54f4-4d7d-917e-de48489f3a90.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/299691/3475ae5e-54f4-4d7d-917e-de48489f3a90) --- Sources:  [1) Young, Terry Ph.D. et al. "Sleep Disordered Breathing and Mortality: Eighteen-Year Follow-up of the Wisconsin Sleep Cohort." *Journal Sleep. *](http://www.journalsleep.org/ViewAbstract.aspx?pid=27213) [2) Kasai, Takatoshi, M.D., Ph.D. et al. "Contemporary Reviews in Cardiovascular Medicine." *Circulation* Journal from the American Heart Association. ](http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/126/12/1495.full#ref-3) [3) Javaheri, S. M.D. et al. "Sleep Apnea in 81 Ambulatory Male Patients with Stable Heart Failure." *Circulation* Journal from the American Heart Association.](http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/97/21/2154.short) [4) Wang, Hanqiao M.D. et al. "Influence of Obstructive Sleep Apnea on Mortality in Patients with Heart Failure". *Journal of the American College of Cardiology.*](http://content.onlinejacc.org/article.aspx?articleid=1188910) [5) Bixler, Edward O. Ph.D. et al. "Association of Hypertension and Sleep-Disordered Breathing." *JAMA Internal Medicine.*](http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=746671) [6) Nieto, Javier, M.D., Ph.D. et al. "Association of Sleep-Disordered Breathing, Sleep Apnea, and Hypertension in a Large Community-Based Study."* JAMA. *](http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=192578) [7) Sjostrom, C et al. "](http://thorax.bmj.com/content/57/7/602.long)[Prevalence of sleep apnoea and snoring in hypertensive men: a population based study." *Thorax* Journal. ](http://thorax.bmj.com/content/57/7/602.long) [8) Logan, AG et al. "High prevalence of unrecognized sleep apnoea in drug-resistant hypertension." *PubMed.*](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11725173) [9) Peppared, Paul E. Ph.D. et al. "Prospective Study of the Association between Sleep-Disordered Breathing and Hypertension." *The New England Journal of Medicine.*](http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJM200005113421901) [10) Dyken, Mark E. M.D. et al. "Investigating the Relationship Between Stroke and Obstructive Sleep Apnea." *Stroke* Journal from the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association.](http://stroke.ahajournals.org/content/27/3/401.full) [11) Good, David C. M.D. et al. "Sleep-Disordered Breathing and Poor Functional Outcome After Stroke. *Stroke* Journal from the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association.](http://stroke.ahajournals.org/content/27/2/252.full) [12) Einhorn, Daniel M.D. et al. "Prevalence of Sleep Apnea in a Population of Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus." *Medscape.*](http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/564208_1) [13) Reichmuth, Kevin J et al. "Association of Sleep Apnea and Type II Diabetes." *American Thoractic Society Journals.*](http://www.atsjournals.org/doi/abs/10.1164/rccm.200504-637OC#.Va_0oqRVikp) [14) Punjabi,  Naresh M et al. "Sleep-Disordered Breathing, Glucose Intolerance, and Insulin Resistance." *American Journal of Epidemiology.*](http://aje.oxfordjournals.org/content/160/6/521.long) [15) Joo, Eun Yeon, M.D., Ph. D. et al. "Reduced Brain Gray Matter Concentration in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome." *Sleep.*](http://www.journalsleep.org/ViewAbstract.aspx?pid=27698) [16) Kumar, Rajesh. "Reduced mammillary body volume in patietns with obstructive sleep apnea." *Neuroscience Letters.*](http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0304394008005739) [17) Osorio, Ricardo S. et al. "Sleep-disordered breathing advances cognitive decline in the elderly." *Neurology.*](http://www.neurology.org/content/early/2015/04/15/WNL.0000000000001566) [18) Berookhim, Boback et al. "Erectile dysfunction is independently associated with sleep apnea in a large population of middle-aged men." *The Journal of Urology.*](http://www.jurology.com/article/S0022-5347(11)01393-0/fulltext) [19) Kalmbach, David A. Ph.D. et al. "The Impact of Sleep on Female Sexual Response and Behavior: A Pilot Study." *The Journal of Sexual Medicine. *](http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jsm.12858/abstract) [20) Borland, Sophie. "](http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2462117/Trying-baby-Get-seven-hours-sleep-night.html)[Trying for a baby? Get seven hours sleep every night and go to bed and get up at the same time each day." *The Daily Mail. *Reporting on the work of Dr. Daniel Park from the University of South Korea.](http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2462117/Trying-baby-Get-seven-hours-sleep-night.html) [21) Ellen, Ruth L.B. M.D. et al. "Systematic Review of Motor Vehicle Crash Risk in Persons with Sleep Apnea." *Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine.*](http://www.sleepcenterinfo.com/pdfs/pdf-references/osa-and-mvas.pdf) [22) Blazejewski, Sylvie Ph.D. et al. "Factors Associated with Serious Traffic Crashes: A Prospective Study in Southwest France."  *JAMA Internal Medicine.*](http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=1162167) **Contact Us:** Advanced Sleep Medicine Services, Inc. Corporate Office 17835 Ventura Blvd. Suite 300 Encino, CA 91316 Phone (877) 775-3377 Fax (877) 855-6227  [info@sleepdr.com](mailto:info@sleepdr.com) ## **Top Links:** [Frequently asked questions (FAQs) ](http://www.sleepdr.com/frequently-asked-questions)[Download Service Request Form (Rx) ](http://www.sleepdr.com/service_request_form)[Request medical records ](http://www.sleepdr.com/request-medical-records)[See a complete list of locations ](http://www.sleepdr.com/locations)[Schedule an appointment ](http://www.sleepdr.com/schedule)[Sleep Better, Live Better Blog ](http://www.sleepdr.com/sleepbetterblog)[Contact us](http://www.sleepdr.com/contact) **About Us:** Our mission is to empower sufferers of sleep disorders, like sleep apnea, to lead more fulfilling lives by improving their sleep. We believe that by caring for and educating our patients and diagnosing and treating their sleep disorders we can help them achieve better health. With 20 locations across California, we are the leading provider of in-center and in-home (HST) sleep studies, PAP therapeutic devices, and replacement PAP supplies. We are contracted with more than 300 medical groups and commercial health plans. We partner with independent physicians who are at the forefront of the field of sleep medicine and together we provide high-quality, affordable, result-oriented and patient-centric diagnostic and therapeutic sleep medicine services. We strive to make all our interactions with patients, referring physicians, coworkers, and others courteous, caring and professional and we consider each interaction with our patients as an opportunity to live up to our commitment to the highest standards of patient care.  ### Subscribe to our blog: [![Twitter link](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/twitter-865437-edited.png "Twitter link")](https://twitter.com/mysleepdr)[![Facebook link](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/facebook-square-750598-edited.png "Facebook link")](https://www.facebook.com/AdvancedSleepMedicine)[![LinkedIn link](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/linkedin-815276-edited.png "LinkedIn link")](https://www.linkedin.com/company/advanced-sleep-medicine-services-inc) ## Original photos by Francisco Crow [www.fc-images.net](http://www.fc-images.net) All rights reserved. Our administrative offices AND sleep centers will be closed on Monday, September 5, 2016 in observance of the Labor Day holiday.