3 Sleep Apnea Side Effects You Never Think Of

From the never-ending daytime drowsiness to the complaints of bed partners, sleep apnea can have a serious impact on your day-to-day life. It can also harm your health in the long term with conditions such as hypertension, obesity and heart disease.

Today, however,  Advanced Sleep Medicine is going to touch on three side effects few people think about—and hopefully encourage you to be tested for sleep apnea, if you haven’t been already!

Many times, those who live with obstructive sleep apnea are often diagnosed with depression first. But did you know that depression is a side effect of this sleep disorder? Not getting a proper night’s rest can affect your mental health, so if you or a loved one are living with depression, talk with a doctor about your sleeping habits to rule out obstructive sleep apnea as a trigger.

• Memory problems.

It might be funny to make jokes about how you’re getting old and senile, but it could be a symptom of a larger problem. Obstructive sleep apnea can cause difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, slow reaction times and other memory issues. If you find yourself having issues remembering things, it might be time to schedule a sleep test!

• Social impact.

Believe it or not, how much sleep you get can affect your relationships. Those living with sleep apnea are less likely to attend social events. When was the last time you turned down an invitation because you were just too tired? The loud snoring can also impact your relationship with your significant other, especially if you share a bed at night.

If you or a loved one are exhibiting these symptoms, it may be time to seek medical help. Your doctor may ask you to take a sleep test, and if they do, have them to refer you to Advanced Sleep Medicine Services. Not only can we determine if you have a sleeping disorder, we can also supply you with equipment to help treat it.