Can Sleep Apnea Kill You? Understand the Risks and Treatments

Sleep apnea is a dangerous condition that is manifested by the regular pauses in breathing during the night. It is a serious condition which if left unnoticed can result to health complications which range to death. The following guide seeks to explain the dangers of Sleep apnea, how to screen for it, and other possible treatments.

Risks of Untreated Sleep Apnea

The core effects of untreated sleep apnea include numerous serious health dangers. Those risks are important to be aware of in order to acknowledge the severity of the condition as well as the need for early treatment.

Cardiovascular Problems

This is perhaps one of the scariest complications that come with untreated sleep apnea, especially to the cardiovascular system. Sleep apnea commonly results in oscillating hypoxemia, where oxygen levels are reduced during the period of sleep. This may exert a lot of pressure on the heart organs and blood vessels, hence causes several serious cardiovascular diseases:

• Hypertension: This study proves that constriction frequencies can elevate blood pressure levels if it is Oxygen deprived repeatedly. This condition exerts constant pressure on the heart and the blood vessels and an increased probability of developing heart disease.
•  Heart Disease: AH can develop as a result of stress induced by the conditions of intermittent hypoxia that exist in OSA. To make up for the low levels of oxygen the heart now has to pump harder, increasing the possibility of heart failure.
•  Stroke: The studies on sleep apnea without its treatment showed that the people that suffer from this condition have a higher probability of stroke. High blood pressure along with possible arrhythmia increases the risk of a stroke to a great extent.

Metabolic Issues

Sleep apnea also affects metabolic health, leading to conditions such as:

• Type 2 Diabetes: It can upset the normal process of glucose utilization therefore exposing the patient to the risk of being affected by type two diabetes. Low oxygen levels steadily placing stress on the body can also negatively affect the body’s ability to use insulin.
• Obesity: Sleep apnea therefore leads to poor sleep quality and chronic fatigue and this results in obesity and weight gain. This, of course, aggravates metabolic disorders and the probability of associated illnesses grow.

Cognitive Impairment

The chronic sleep deprivation caused by sleep apnea can lead to significant cognitive impairments:

• Memory Issues: The inability to sustain sleep and the number of wake-ups at night is known to negatively affect memory as well as learning.
• Reduced Attention Span: CV in the case of chronic fatigue, it tends to impair not only focus and vigilance but also the ability to do daily activities and work effectively.
• Increased Risk of Dementia: The professional and long-term sleep loss as well as Hypoxia issues also lead to higher chances of individuals developing dementia.

Accidents

Sleep apnea can also prove to be an impediment to daily activities, especially in things as basic as safety:

• Motor Vehicle Accidents: Lack of sleep during the day and poor concentration are some of the factors that may lead to an increased chance of an accident of a driver.
• Workplace Injuries: There is also inclination to accidents at work since alertness is low because of fatigue.

Can You Die from Sleep Apnea?

Yes, sleep apnea can cause death, but only if it develops to a point where it causes grave cardiovascular events or significantly compromises the body’s capacity to deliver oxygen to the blood. Research findings also indicate that for people with undiagnosed OSA, mortality is higher as opposed to those who have no OSA, mostly because of cardiovascular challenges.

How to Tell if You Have Sleep Apnea

Knowing the signs of sleep apnea enables people to get medical treatment as early as possible:

Common Symptoms

• Loud Snoring: Sometimes when it is translated to pauses where breathing is either not visibly or very weak.
• Gasping or Choking: Lump sensation in the throat which can wake the individual up at night.
• Excessive Daytime Sleepiness: Sore throat which cannot be attributed to ordinary stiff throat that may be as a result of taking cold substances.
• Morning Headaches: Headaches that occur in the morning on waking up.
• Difficulty Concentrating: Issues in memory and concentration and also in the executive functioning.

How to Diagnose Sleep Apnea

The diagnosis of sleep apnea can be done through clinical checkup and other health assessments, which include:

Sleep Studies

• Polysomnography (PSG): What is meant by a polysomnogram A polysomnogram is a full night’s study that is conducted in a sleep clinic. Brain wave patterns, as well as levels of oxygen and heart rate, and even breathing rate is watched in order to evaluate the severity of sleep apnea.

• Home Sleep Apnea Test: Another test that can also be done at home to observe other signs of sleep apnea is a less rigorous one as compared to the former.

Clinical Evaluation

A physician-administered comprehensive medical history and physical exam are critical in evaluating risk factors, and signs and symptoms and overall health state. This made me conclude that this evaluation assists in identifying the need for other tests or forms of treatment.

How is Sleep Apnea Treated?

Treatment of sleep apnea depends on the type and the severity of the condition together with other factors of the patient:

Lifestyle Changes

• Weight Loss: Losing that extra weight can make a huge difference to the symptoms especially so in the overweight individuals.
•  Exercise: Physical exercise should be taken on a regular basis as it assists in reducing the effects and enhancing fitness.
• Avoiding Alcohol and Sedatives: It can also cause the throat muscles to relax and aggravate sleep apnea more so these substance.

When to Seek Help from Your Healthcare Provider

In cases where one suspects to have sleep apnea, it is important that they consult their doctor as soon as possible. The following are signs that should be reported to a healthcare provider:

• You observe that your partner snores loudly at night and in this process he/she makes choking or gasping sounds.
• Your bed partner is aware that you have Apnea because he or she was the one to observe that you cease breathing during sleep.
• Some of the symptoms that you have include excessive sleepiness during the day and this hinders your performance.
•  Though you go to bed at night and retire to bed early you are always yawning and tired in the morning.
• You have morning headaches, dry mouth or sore throat as soon as you wake up.
• Your cognitive function is impaired, or you feel an onset of a sloppy attitude, and possible mood swings that might stem from poor sleep.
•  You experience regular high blood pressure or any other cardiovascular complication that could be brought on by sleep apnea.

Frequently Asked Questions 

– Disclaimer –

This blog is for informational & educational purposes only and does not intend to substitute any professional medical advice or consultation. For any health-related concerns, please consult with your physician, or call 911.