Could Untreated Sleep Apnea Result in Death?

Could Untreated Sleep Apnea Result in Death?

Feeling drained and irritable? Blame it on your demanding job, endless household chores, or marathon movie sessions. But if you constantly find yourself nodding off during the day, struggling to sleep at night, or making odd snoring noises that keep your partner awake, it might be more than just a case of overdoing it. It might be sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is a condition characterized by brief interruptions in your breathing while you snooze. When the muscles in your throat relax, your airway narrows or collapses, making it hard for you to breathe. The result? Disrupted sleep that leaves you feeling groggy, forgetful, and at risk of more serious health problems.

There are three types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), central sleep apnea, and complex sleep apnea (a combination of the two). OSA is the most common, accounting for at least 10% of adults worldwide, with men twice as likely to suffer from it compared to women[6].

So, how do you know if you have sleep apnea? Symptoms can include chronic snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness, memory problems, headaches, irritability, depression, and high blood pressure[7]. If your bed partner has already pointed out your snoring and breathing pauses, consider yourself lucky; unfortunately, not everyone has a bed partner to offer a heads-up. If you're not sure, look out for symptoms like waking up feeling unrefreshed or excessively sleepy during the day.

Now, the million-dollar question: can sleep apnea kill you? Although it's unlikely you'll stop breathing long enough to suffocate, untreated sleep apnea can contribute to devastating health complications over time[8]. For instance, the condition has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular issues, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes[9][10]. Sleep apnea has also been associated with metabolic conditions like diabetes and hormonal imbalances, weight gain, decreased sexual function, neurological effects, and increased risk of accidents[11].

If you suspect you might have sleep apnea, reach out to your doctor. They can help diagnose the condition using at-home tests, referrals to sleep specialists, or sleep studies in a hospital or sleep center[12]. Once diagnosed, treatment options include using a continuous positive airway pressure machine (CPAP), custom-made mouthpieces, pressurized air machines, medication, and surgery in extreme cases[13]. Lifestyle changes like avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bedtime and maintaining a healthy weight can also help prevent airway obstruction[14].

So, don't let sleep apnea rob you of a good night's rest and compromise your overall health. If you're experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, it's worth consulting your doctor to get the help you need. When it comes to sleep apnea, early detection and treatment can make all the difference in leading a long, healthy life.

1. Sleep apnea, a condition associated with brief interruptions in breathing during sleep, can lead to chronic conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes due to disrupted sleep and increased risk of these health problems over time.
2. A poor night's rest due to sleep apnea may also negatively impact mental health, causing symptoms like irritability, depression, and memory problems.
3. If you're constantly struggling with chronic snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness, memory problems, headaches, or irritability, these could be signs of sleep apnea, contributing to the risk of chronic diseases and mental health issues.
4. By seeking help from a healthcare professional, managing sleep apnea through treatments like using a CPAP machine, maintaining a healthy weight, or avoiding alcohol before bedtime, can help prevent airway obstruction and improve overall health and wellness, including reducing the risk of chronic diseases and maintaining mental health.

Read also: