Sleep apnea is one of the most common — and most overlooked — sleep disorders. Left unaddressed, sleep apnea can impact metabolic health, strain the cardiovascular system, and take a serious toll on mental well-being. Below, we break down the long-term effects of sleep apnea, and why early awareness and intervention matter more than most people think. Sleep apnea is not just snoring or tossing and turning at night. If you suspect sleep apnea may be disrupting your sleep, a conversation with a doctor or sleep specialist is an important place to start.