From your cardiovascular system to reproduction, this condition can seriously impact your life.  

A peaceful night’s sleep is essential for maintaining overall health.  

But when you have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or central sleep apnea (CSA), you are constantly being deprived of the rest you need. Unsurprisingly then, sleep apnea can have an adverse effect on the homeostasis, or stability, of your body’s internal systems.⁷

Serious health conditions that are linked to this condition, such as high blood pressure, and obesity, can compound the harm this condition can have on your overall well-being.⁷  

In this article, we take a closer look at how sleep apnea can impact on your body. 

Respiratory system  

Because sleep apnea interrupts your airflow and can drastically reduce your intake of oxygen as you sleep, it can also exacerbate the symptoms of respiratory diseases such as asthma.¹ 

Metabolic function 

The endocrine system is a complex messenger network that uses hormones to control your metabolism, reproduction, growth, and energy levels. One of the most common endocrine disorders is diabetes, which has been associated with OSA.²

 When you have sleep apnea you are more likely to develop insulin resistance compared with a person who is healthy. Insulin resistance is when your cells don’t respond normally to insulin. This leads to an increase in your blood sugar level and can eventually lead to the development of type 2 diabetes.³    

 Sleep apnea has also been linked to metabolic syndrome, which includes heart disease risk factors such as high cholesterol and blood pressure.^2,7  

Circulatory and cardiovascular systems  

Sleep apnea has been associated with high blood pressure and obesity, both of which can contribute to the development of heart disease.  The stop-and-start breathing that characterizes OSA increases the strain on your heart.  

Research has shown people with OSA are more likely to experience heart failure.⁴  

Reproductive health  

Sleep apnea may have a negative effect on libido, specifically in men. Unfortunately, it can also affect the sexual drive of the OSA sufferer’s partner as they may be struggling to get a good night’s sleep too. Research suggests that in men it could contribute to erectile dysfunction, and in women, it may increase the risk of infertility.^5,6

Consult your doctor if you or your partner are concerned about any of these conditions and the quality of your sleep. See, What are the symptoms of sleep apnea? and How is sleep apnea diagnosed?

The content is for educational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for the medical advice of one’s healthcare provider.