Can sleep apnea worsen other health conditions?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Sleep apnea can worsen existing health conditions and is closely linked to serious complications. It can aggravate heart problems (such as high blood pressure, heart failure, and irregular heartbeats), lung conditions like asthma and COPD, and metabolic disorders including type 2 diabetes. Untreated sleep apnea may also increase the risk of stroke, cognitive decline, and daytime fatigue-related accidents.

Because symptoms often overlap with other conditions, it's important to identify what's really going on. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand your symptoms and confidently navigate your next steps toward proper care.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn if sleep apnea is worsening your condition Discover likely causes of your sleep problems Find out if sleep apnea needs care today See OTC options for sleep-related symptoms Find sleep doctors for specialized evaluation Understand medically valid home remedies for sleep apnea Discover if symptoms point to sleep apnea

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Explanation

Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing stops and starts during sleep. This can lead to a range of other health problems.

Heart and Blood Vessels

Sleep apnea can make heart problems worse. It can lead to high blood pressure and increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Lungs and Breathing

People with sleep apnea might have more breathing problems. It can make lung diseases, like asthma or COPD, worse.

Diabetes and Metabolism

Sleep apnea is linked to diabetes. It can make it harder for the body to use insulin, which is important for controlling blood sugar levels.

Mental Health

Sleep apnea can affect how you feel. It might make you feel more tired and can be linked to depression and anxiety.

Overall, sleep apnea can have a big impact on your health. If you're experiencing symptoms like daytime fatigue, morning headaches, or disrupted sleep, you can check your symptoms to better understand what might be causing them and determine if you should talk to a doctor.

(References)

Gleeson M, & McNicholas WT. (2022). Bidirectional relationships of comorbidity with obstructive .... European respiratory review : an official journal of the European Respiratory Society, 35508332.
Sircu V, Colesnic SI, Covantsev S, Corlateanu O, Sukhotko A, Popovici C, & Corlateanu A. (2023). The Burden of Comorbidities in Obstructive Sleep Apnea .... Clocks & sleep, 37366660.
Harding SM. (2000). Complications and consequences of obstructive sleep apnea. Current opinion in pulmonary medicine, 11100957.

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