It’s common for people with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) to have other health conditions. In some cases, OSA happens first. Other times, OSA may contribute to other problems.

Understanding which medical conditions are common with OSA can help you recognize possible concerns. This article discusses six comorbidities (coexisting conditions) to keep on your radar.

1. Heartburn

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) affects 8 percent to 33 percent of people worldwide. GERD causes acid reflux symptoms, also known as heartburn — a burning feeling in your chest that happens when stomach acid travels up toward your throat. You might notice heartburn if you lie down soon after a big meal.

The esophagus is the tube connecting your throat and stomach. At the bottom of the esophagus, a band of muscle called the esophageal sphincter usually tightens after you eat to keep acid in the stomach. In GERD, this muscle is too relaxed, allowing acid to move back up.

Research shows that people with GERD are more likely to have OSA than those without GERD. Having obesity (a body mass index of 30 or higher) and smoking tobacco are risk factors for both conditions.

There are also other theories about how OSA could affect the esophageal sphincter. People with OSA work harder to breathe, which can create pressure that pulls stomach acid up through the sphincter during an apnea event. People with OSA may also cough more, increasing pressure on the stomach and esophagus.

If you’ve had symptoms of heartburn or sleep apnea for a while, you might think they’re just normal for you. However, untreated acid reflux can damage the esophagus. Over time, this can cause narrowing that makes it harder to swallow and may raise the risk of esophageal cancer. If you regularly experience heartburn, you should speak with your healthcare provider.

2. Cardiovascular Disease

Heart disease and stroke are strongly linked to OSA. Several factors contribute to this connection.

If you have untreated OSA, you’re more likely to develop high blood pressure within five years compared to those without sleep apnea. Among people who already have high blood pressure, 30 percent to 50 percent also have OSA.

Disrupted sleep from OSA also raises the risk of other types of heart disease, including:

• Arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat)
• Coronary artery disease
• Congestive heart failure
• Pulmonary hypertension

One reason is that heart conditions and OSA share many risk factors, including older age, male sex, and obesity.

The risk of stroke is also higher with OSA, which increases inflammation throughout the body. Inflammation can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries and set the stage for heart attacks and stroke.

OSA doesn’t just make a first stroke more likely — it also increases the chances of having repeat strokes, which may be more severe or damaging. The good news is that OSA treatment can help. Managing sleep apnea can improve recovery after a stroke and help prevent future strokes.

A diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea is not the end — it’s an opportunity to get treatment that can improve many aspects of your health and well-being.

3. Type 2 Diabetes

Some studies suggest that up to 80 percent of people with OSA have diabetes or prediabetes. One reason for this strong link is that OSA affects how the body uses sugar. It makes cells less responsive to insulin, the hormone that helps control blood sugar. When insulin isn’t effective, blood sugar levels can stay too high — a telltale sign of diabetes.

People living with OSA and diabetes need to watch especially carefully for diabetes complications. They may have a harder time keeping their blood sugar under control, which can cause damage throughout the body and can lead to serious health issues, such as kidney disease and permanent vision problems.

4. Obesity

Obesity is a major shared risk factor for OSA and other health problems. Not everyone with OSA has obesity, but having both can raise the risks of heartburn, heart disease, and diabetes.

OSA often develops after weight gain. If you have obesity, your risk of sleep apnea increases sevenfold compared with people at a lower weight. Research shows that weight gain increases OSA risk, while weight loss lowers it.

OSA can also make it harder to manage weight. Poor sleep changes appetite hormones, making you feel hungrier. Being tired during the day can also make it harder to stay active.

You can break this cycle by seeking help and support. People with obesity now have more safe and effective options than ever. As health professionals learn more about the link between obesity and other conditions, they can offer better advice and care to help you work toward a healthier future.

5. Depression and Anxiety

OSA doesn’t just affect you physically — it can also have an impact on your mood and mental well-being. The relationship between depression and OSA goes both ways. People with major depressive disorder (MDD) are more likely to have OSA, and people with OSA are more likely to have MDD.

Research shows that 23 percent of people with OSA have depression, and 20 percent to 36 percent of people with depression also have OSA. Insomnia or lack of sleep can contribute to depression. Using continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy can help both conditions.

Anxiety is also linked to OSA in both animal and human studies. Having both high blood pressure and anxiety, especially in men, raises OSA risk more than high blood pressure alone, according to The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. Taking care of both your mental and physical health is important for overall well-being.

6. Cognitive Problems

Cognitive decline can be an early sign of dementia. In people with OSA, mild thinking and memory problems may progress to dementia faster. Studies suggest that CPAP treatment may help reverse some brain damage and lower dementia risk.

If you or a loved one has symptoms of OSA, it’s important to get medical advice. Common symptoms include:

• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Episodes of gasping for breath while sleeping
• Loud snoring
• Morning headaches

Untreated OSA doesn’t just cause a bad night’s sleep — it also puts you at increased risk of serious health problems. Sleep apnea testing usually involves a sleep study to check for sleep disorders and see how you breathe at night. If you’re diagnosed with OSA, you can explore various treatment options. Managing sleep apnea can greatly improve your quality of life. Don’t wait to get the care you need.

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