OSA blocks your airway, meaning the amount of oxygen taken in by your lungs while you sleep is dramatically restricted.
Decreased oxygen intake can have an impact on many aspects of your health. For example, it can drastically affect your cognitive ability, which puts you at greater risk of suffering an accident, either at work or while driving. Many people with sleep apnea find that they struggle to concentrate and notice a reduction in their organizational skills and ability to focus.
Untreated sleep apnea can lead to high blood pressure. A reduced supply of oxygen can also increase your chances of suffering a heart attack, while 80% of all nocturnal strokes can be directly attributed to OSA.
In terms of day-to-day side effects, many sleep apnea sufferers experience morning headaches, dry mouth, and fatigue or a feeling of sleepiness even if they’ve slept for a long time.