What are potential complications of untreated sleep apnea?

Untreated sleep apnea can lead to significant complications, particularly cardiovascular problems and daytime fatigue. This condition often results in repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep, leading to lower oxygen levels in the blood and increased strain on the heart. Over time, this can contribute to conditions such as hypertension, heart disease, arrhythmias, and even stroke.

Additionally, the frequent awakenings associated with sleep apnea prevent individuals from achieving restorative sleep, leading to excessive daytime sleepiness, impaired cognitive function, and lower overall energy levels. Such fatigue can severely affect daily activities and overall quality of life, increasing the risk of accidents and impacting work performance.

In contrast, the other options suggest positive outcomes like improved cognitive function, weight loss, and enhanced respiratory function, which are not typically associated with untreated sleep apnea and serve to highlight the negative effects of the condition instead.