The Surprising Health Risks of Untreated Sleep Apnea

Estimated Read Time: 3 minutes

Most people think of snoring as a harmless annoyance. But if you or someone you love snores loudly, feels tired all the time, or struggles with staying asleep, it may be a sign of something more serious: sleep apnea. Left untreated, this condition can cause serious and even life-threatening health issues.

At Ellis Sleep Center in St. Louis, MO, we specialize in diagnosing and treating sleep apnea using comfortable, effective alternatives to CPAP. In this post, we’ll break down the hidden dangers of untreated sleep apnea—and how you can take control of your health with modern oral appliance therapy.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder where your breathing repeatedly stops and starts while you sleep. The most frequent type is called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which occurs when the soft tissues in the throat relax too much and block the airway.

Each pause in breathing can last for seconds or even minutes. These episodes may happen dozens or even hundreds of times per night—without you even knowing. Most people with sleep apnea wake up feeling tired, foggy, or irritable, even after a full night’s rest.

Common Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

  • Loud, chronic snoring

  • Morning headaches

  • Gasping or choking during sleep

  • Waking up frequently

  • Daytime fatigue or trouble focusing

  • Dry mouth or sore throat in the morning

  • Mood swings, anxiety, or depression

If these sound familiar, it's time to seek help from a sleep apnea dentist near you. Without treatment, the risks go far beyond poor sleep.

The Serious Health Risks of Untreated Sleep Apnea

1. Heart Disease and High Blood Pressure

Sleep apnea puts intense strain on your heart. Every time your airway closes, your body reacts with a surge of stress hormones and a drop in oxygen. This can lead to high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias), and even heart attacks or strokes over time.

2. Type 2 Diabetes

Sleep deprivation affects how your body uses insulin. Research shows a strong link between untreated OSA and insulin resistance—making it harder to manage blood sugar and increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes.

3. Stroke and Brain Health

Interrupted oxygen flow during sleep can cause damage to blood vessels and impair circulation to the brain, raising the risk of stroke and memory loss. Many people with untreated sleep apnea also report difficulty concentrating, brain fog, and slower reaction times.

4. Weight Gain

Sleep apnea and obesity are closely connected. Poor sleep disrupts hormones that control hunger and metabolism, making it easier to gain weight—and harder to lose it.

5. Depression and Anxiety

Chronic fatigue from sleep apnea can take a serious toll on mental health. Many patients report symptoms of depression, irritability, and anxiety, which often improve once their sleep is restored.

Why CPAP Isn't the Only Option

CPAP machines are a common treatment for sleep apnea, but they’re not for everyone. Many people say they “can’t tolerate CPAP” or “hate their CPAP” due to noise, discomfort, or claustrophobia. If that sounds like you, there’s good news: you don’t have to suffer through it or go untreated.

Oral Appliance Therapy: A Proven CPAP Alternative

At Ellis Sleep Center, we offer oral appliance therapy—a comfortable, travel-friendly, and highly effective solution for treating sleep apnea. A custom sleep apnea mouthpiece, designed and fitted by Dr. Holly Ellis, gently repositions your lower jaw to keep your airway open at night.

This treatment is ideal for:

  • Patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea

  • CPAP-intolerant patients

  • People who travel often or want a simpler solution

  • Those looking for a quiet, discreet option

Oral appliances are covered by many medical insurance plans and don’t involve tubes, noise, or power cords. If you’ve been searching for the “best dentist for sleep apnea oral appliance in St. Louis,” Dr. Ellis is here to help.

Local Expertise in St. Louis Dental Sleep Medicine

From Kirkwood to Ballwin, and Central West End to Clayton, our patients across St. Louis County are finding relief through dental sleep medicine. Dr. Ellis offers personalized care and state-of-the-art oral appliances that are tailored to your lifestyle.

Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs

Untreated sleep apnea is more than just a bad night's sleep—it can quietly damage your health in serious ways. The good news? With the right treatment, you can feel better, think clearer, and reduce your risk of chronic disease.

📞 Call Ellis Sleep Center today to schedule your consultation and learn how we can help you breathe easier and live healthier.

Justin Ellis