Patient/caregiver were instructed regarding complications of poorly managed obstructive sleep apnea as follows:
Increased risk for stroke:
- Interrupted breathing pattern in individuals with poorly controlled sleep apnea, can lead to sudden drop in blood oxygen levels.
- Consequently, this can lead to drop in oxygen supply to vital organs, such as, heart and brain, thus affecting their function.
- Compromised cardiac function with reduced pumping activity of the heart can lead to reduced blood & oxygen supply to the brain, resulting in increased risk for stroke.
Slowing of brain function:
- Persistent episodes of reduced blood & oxygen supply to the brain in individuals with sleep apnea can lead to progressive slowing of brain function and intellectual abilities.
- This outcome in younger individuals can compromise their school and job performance, thus stunting their academic growth.
- Progressive slowing of brain function in older individuals can set the ground for early-onset memory loss and dementia.
Mental health deterioration:
- Poorly managed sleep apnea can result in interrupted sleep pattern with multiple awakenings during the night.
- Lack of sleep and proper rest can lead to poor relaxation and compromised stress relief. This can lead to anxiety states and deterioration of mental health with altered behavior patterns.
- Individuals with history of anxiety, depression, and psychosis with co-existing sleep apnea can present with worsening of mental health status, secondary to poor rest.
