Can You Die From Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition that can cause temporary breathing disruptions while asleep. The thought of not breathing while asleep does sound scary. It might leave you wondering — can you die from sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a serious disorder that can have potentially fatal consequences if left untreated. Learn about the symptoms, the dangers, and how you can treat them to safeguard your well-being.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep Apnea is one of the most common sleep disorders, characterized by repeated episodes of complete or partial obstruction of the upper airway during sleep. This obstruction typically occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat relax excessively, causing the soft tissue at the back of the throat to collapse and block the airway.

As a result, airflow is reduced or completely stopped, leading to disruptions in breathing and frequent awakenings throughout the night. Breathing disruptions vary from five times an hour to as many as 100 times an hour [1].

Types of Sleep Apnea

There are two common types of sleep apnea, known as obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea [2].

1. Obstructive sleep apnea: This is when your upper airways become blocked many times while sleeping, restricting proper airflow.
2. Central sleep apnea: This happens when your brain fails to send the proper signals needed for you to breathe.

Risk Factors of Sleep Apnea

As sleep apnea significantly impacts overall health and poses serious risks, it’s important to understand the risk factors that contribute to developing this condition.

The key risk factors that are associated with sleep apnea are:

• Age: There is an increased risk of getting sleep apnea as you get older due to the build-up of fatty tissues.
• Excessive weight: Excessive weight increases fat deposits in the neck, which can block the upper airway.
• Hormonal changes: Hormone levels can affect the size of your airways. Those with low thyroid levels can have a higher risk of sleep apnea.
• Gender: Gender may also play a role with men being more susceptible to it as compared to women.
• Existing medical conditions: Existing medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease may also contribute to blocked upper airways.
• Lifestyle habits: alcohol use and smoking can contribute to the likelihood of this condition.

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The Dangers of Untreated Sleep Apnea

Untreated sleep apnea, particularly obstructive sleep apnea, can lead to serious health risks. Some of the dangers include [3]:

• Accidents: According to conservative estimates, about 800,000 drivers in the United States were found to be involved in motor accidents due to obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.
• Hypertension: Untreated obstructive sleep apnea was also found to increase the risk of hypertension. 50% of sleep apnea patients are also found to have hypertension.
• Stroke: The development of ischemic stroke is associated with untreated sleep apnea.
• Heart failure: Male patients with sleep apnea are 6 times more likely to be treated for congestive heart failure compared to those without.
• Adverse perioperative events: Untreated sleep apnea patients are likely to develop serious complications during operative treatments including cardiac arrest and respiratory failure.

Why untreated sleep apnea can be life-threatening?

Untreated sleep apnea can be life-threatening because it causes repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep, leading to decreased oxygen levels in the blood and increased strain on the heart. Over time, this can contribute to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and other serious health complications.

Dr. June Seliber-Klein

MD DABPN, Sleep Board Certified, Chief Medical Officer Ognomy Sleep

Can Untreated Sleep Apnea Kill You?

By leaving obstructive sleep apnea untreated, you heighten the risk of facing fatal consequences due to various health complications, especially during sleep. Untreated sleep apnea is associated with a significant risk of death, particularly sudden death during sleep.

People with sleep apnea are at a heightened risk of experiencing fatal outcomes, especially related to cardiovascular issues, like high blood pressure or a higher risk of sudden cardiac death. The impact of obstructive sleep apnea on heart and lung function can lead to serious health complications that may result in premature death.

To highlight the potential consequences of untreated OSA, consider the following table:

Signs and Symptoms

If you snore loudly and wake up gasping for air, you may be experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea. Here are some signs of sleep apnea to help you recognize the condition:

• Nighttime breathing issues
• Morning headaches
• Mood swings
• Waking up gasping for air or choking
• Loud snoring
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Trouble concentrating during the daytime

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How Is Sleep Apnea Diagnosed?

For sleep apnea to be diagnosed properly, usually you would need to consult with a sleep specialist. A sleep specialist is able to assess an individual’s condition using sleep-related diagnostic tests and evaluation.

These tests include [4]:

Sleep Diary

A sleep diary is a journal that you would keep for up to 2 weeks. In this diary, you are expected to log the time that you went to bed, the times woke up, and the time that you worked in the morning. Knowing your sleep patterns will allow the doctor to better assess and diagnose your condition.

Home Sleep Apnea Test

A home sleep apnea test is given if you are suspected to have sleep apnea. During this test period, you will be required to wear specialized equipment to monitor your breathing patterns. If the likelihood of sleep apnea is reflected with the equipment, your doctor will then evaluate a treatment plan for you.

Polysomnogram

A polysomnogram (PSG), also known as a sleep study, is a test that is conducted either in a lab or at home for sleep apnea diagnosis. It is designed to record brain waves during sleep continuously as well as nerve and muscle functions [5].

Besides sleep apnea, it is also used to evaluate periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD), narcolepsy, and hypersomnia.

Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea

To effectively address sleep apnea, you can explore various treatment options tailored to your symptoms and the severity of the condition. Behavioral changes like weight loss and avoiding alcohol can help reduce symptoms. Changes in sleep position, particularly sleeping on the side, can be beneficial.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is a common and effective treatment for sleep apnea. CPAP therapy involves wearing a mask that delivers pressurized air to keep your airway open during sleep, improving breathing and oxygen levels.

For those who can’t tolerate CPAP or when other treatments fail, oral appliances and upper airway surgery are alternative options.

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Why It’s Important To Treat Sleep Apnea

Treating sleep apnea helps with falling asleep easier and improving your overall quality of life. If left untreated, sleep apnea can significantly increase the risk of death due to its effects on heart and lung function.

By actively seeking treatment, you will not only reduce the potentially fatal consequences but also improve your quality of life. Consider the following table to understand the importance of seeking treatment for sleep apnea:

Take proactive steps to address your sleep apnea to safeguard your well-being and longevity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, addressing obstructive sleep apnea is crucial for your health and well-being. Untreated OSA can have fatal consequences and significantly impact your quality of life. By recognizing the symptoms, seeking a proper diagnosis, and exploring treatment options, you can mitigate the risks associated with sleep apnea.

For more tips on sleep and sleep apnea, check out the ShutEye® app. ShutEye® is a patented sleep-tracking app that tracks your sleep cycle, and snoring and offers a personalized sleep report.

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