Expert Insight from Dr. Rebecca Lauck | Keller, TX Sleep Apnea Specialist
Sleep apnea isn’t just about snoring or feeling tired. It’s a chronic condition that, if left untreated, can quietly harm nearly every system in your body over time. Despite its widespread impact, many people in Keller, TX, and surrounding communities don’t realize how dangerous untreated sleep apnea can be. Whether you’ve been diagnosed but never followed through with treatment, or you suspect you have sleep apnea and haven’t taken the next step, it’s time to understand the long-term consequences.
At North Texas Sleep Solutions in Keller, Dr. Rebecca Lauck helps patients recognize the silent damage caused by untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and provides non-invasive solutions. If you’re waking up tired, snore loudly, or feel foggy during the day, don’t wait—these symptoms could be your body’s warning signs.
Contact our office at (817) 431-6764 to schedule a consultation with our Keller, TX, sleep specialist and get the answers you deserve. We also proudly serve Southlake, North Richland Hills, Colleyville, and beyond.
What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea? Our Sleep Dentist Near Southlake Explains
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the soft tissues in the back of your throat collapse and block the airway during sleep. These blockages cause brief but repeated pauses in breathing, often hundreds of times a night, leading to decreased oxygen levels and sleep fragmentation.
You may not always be aware of these interruptions, but your body is. Over time, these constant disturbances place significant stress on your cardiovascular system, brain, and metabolism.
The Long-Term Risks of Untreated Sleep Apnea in Keller, TX
Without proper diagnosis and treatment, sleep apnea can cause or worsen several serious health conditions. Some of the most concerning long-term effects include:
1. Cardiovascular Disease
Repeated drops in blood oxygen levels strain the heart and blood vessels. This can increase your risk of:
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Congestive heart failure
Why It Matters: The American Heart Association has linked untreated sleep apnea to a significantly higher risk of cardiac-related death.
2. Cognitive Decline and Memory Loss
The lack of restful sleep prevents your brain from functioning properly. Over time, this may lead to:
- Short-term memory issues
- Difficulty concentrating
- Mood swings or irritability
- Brain fog
- Increased risk of dementia
Why It Matters: The brain needs restorative sleep to consolidate memories and perform critical functions. Sleep apnea robs it of that opportunity.
3. Metabolic and Weight Issues
Untreated sleep apnea can disrupt your body’s ability to regulate insulin and metabolism. This increases your risk of:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Obesity and difficulty losing weight
- Hormonal imbalances
Why It Matters: Even a healthy diet and exercise plan may be less effective if your sleep disorder isn’t addressed by a reliable sleep specialist near you.
4. Chronic Fatigue and Decreased Quality of Life
Day after day of poor sleep adds up. Untreated OSA often results in:
- Constant tiredness
- Low motivation and energy
- Decreased productivity
- Risk of accidents due to drowsiness (including while driving)
Why It Matters: This daily exhaustion can limit your personal and professional life, affect relationships, and increase depression or anxiety.
5. Increased Risk During Surgery and Medication Use
Anesthetics and certain medications (especially sedatives or opioids) can relax the airway muscles and worsen sleep apnea symptoms.
Why It Matters: If your sleep apnea is undiagnosed, it increases the risk of complications during surgery or when taking certain prescriptions.
Why Sleep Apnea Often Goes Untreated
Many patients assume snoring or feeling tired is just part of aging or stress. Others avoid treatment because they associate sleep apnea with bulky CPAP machines. In reality, there are effective, comfortable alternatives available.
At North Texas Sleep Solutions, Dr. Lauck specializes in oral appliance therapy—a custom-fitted device that gently repositions the jaw to keep the airway open while you sleep. It’s quiet, discreet, and ideal for patients with mild to moderate OSA or those who can’t tolerate CPAP.
How to Know If You Might Have Untreated Sleep Apnea
You may be living with sleep apnea if you experience:
- Loud or frequent snoring
- Morning headaches or dry mouth
- Waking up gasping or choking
- Daytime sleepiness despite “enough” sleep
- Difficulty focusing or remembering things
- Mood changes like depression or anxiety
Schedule a Consultation With Dr. Lauck Today!
If you suspect you or a loved one may be living with untreated sleep apnea, don’t wait. Protect your heart, brain, and quality of life by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Rebecca Lauck. Whether you have central sleep apnea, severe obstructive sleep apnea, or need immediate oral appliance therapy or a sleep study, we’re here to help!
To schedule your consultation, contact our Keller, TX, sleep specialist at (817) 431-6764. We’re proud to serve patients in Keller, Watauga, Southlake, Colleyville, North Richland Hills, and surrounding areas.