Although sleep apnea in itself does not put one at the risk of dying, it is the influence of the cessation of respiration which is dangerous to the health. Many patients who suffer from severe obstructive sleep apnea are at a high risk of obesity, heart failure, strokes and a fatty liver (fat in the liver cells).

Fatigue and sleepiness are two results of sleep apnea which, although frustrating, are bearable. However, recent studies have shown that patients who suffer from severe obstructive sleep apnea are prone to other diseases which may shorten their life span. One of these risks is liver disease. An experiment with patients who suffer from severe and mild sleep apnea and people who do not suffer from the condition showed that patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea have an increased amount of fatty liver cells. Also the levels of insulin found in their blood was significantly higher than those of the other participants. These two results show the devastating effect of severe sleep apnea on the health.

However, liver disease is not the only threat to patients. Patients with severe sleep apnea are so fatigued during the day time that it is impossible for them to stay awake. This is not only dangerous for  them, but also for the people in their surroundings. Falling asleep while driving, cooking or ironing can result in tragedy.

Also, severe sleep apnea can result in clinical depression as a result of sleep deprivation. In some cases the patient may need anti-anxiety medication. Some patients also suffer from agressiveness. Especially in a working environment, this may lead to tension and disruption of day to day life.

These are only a few of the many health risks. Obesity is a danger which goes hand in hand with severe sleep apnea. There is an interplay between these two, obesity causes sleep apnea but is also worsened by it. While there are a range of sleep apnea treatments available…but severe sleep apnea can very frequently be lessened simply by losing weight.