Educating Patients About Sleep Apnea

April 2, 2019

Education is important for patients and can be vital for those with treated and untreated sleep apnea. Patients are often resistant to trying alternative treatment options after a negative experience with CPAP or other therapies. Providing a clear picture of how untreated sleep apnea can affect overall health is essential to improving understanding and compliance.

Health Risks of Untreated Sleep Apnea

The most commonly understood risk of untreated sleep apnea is the worsening of hypertension (high blood pressure). Treating sleep apnea can improve hypertension symptoms and may even result in medication adjustments under medical supervision.

People with obstructive sleep apnea are also more likely to experience heart attacks. This increased risk is linked to repeated sleep interruptions and reduced oxygen levels, which place added stress on the body over time.

Weight, Asthma, and Other Related Conditions

Being overweight can worsen sleep apnea symptoms, while weight loss may improve them. Some patients also report improvements in asthma symptoms once sleep apnea is properly treated.

Additionally, untreated sleep apnea has been associated with acid reflux. Patient reports indicate that reflux symptoms may decrease once sleep apnea treatment is implemented.

Safety Risks From Fatigue and Poor Sleep

Sleep apnea does not only affect medical conditions. Fatigue and chronic weariness caused by inadequate sleep can lead to accidents at home, at work, or while traveling. These incidents may result in serious injury or fatality, affecting not only the patient but also family members, coworkers, and the public.

For both personal and public safety, it is critical that sleep apnea is properly managed and treated.

Helping Patients Accept Sleep Apnea Treatment

For patients who are hesitant to try a sleep apnea appliance, allowing them to see a model in the office or review patient testimonials may help reduce resistance. Some laboratories even offer a refund of lab fees if the appliance is returned, particularly when providers are confident in their product. This can help reassure patients who are unsure about committing to treatment.