Sleep apnea is more than simply loud snoring—it is a serious sleeping disorder where breathing stops and restarts repeatedly during sleep. Sleep apnea most commonly presents in its obstructive form (obstructive sleep apnea, OSA) when the muscles in the throat relax too much and block the airway. This can cause drops in oxygen levels, waking up several times each night, with a significantly increased risk of long-term health consequences. While it is unlikely that sleep apnea will cause sudden death, it can be suicide by neglect, given its severe effects on the heart, brain, and other organs that would otherwise be well-treated with appropriate sleep habits. In this article, we will discuss in detail sleep apnea and when to consult a sleep apnea specialist.
How does sleep apnea affect the body?
Every time a person’s breath is stopped, their body attempts to get enough oxygen. This involves:
- Increased blood pressure
- Strain on the heart
- Disruptions in deep sleep resulting in fatigue
- Decreased oxygen supply to the brain
Eventually, these factors increase the risk of conditions leading to death.
Can Sleep Apnea Result in Death?
Sleep apnea can indirectly increase the risk of death through:
- Heart Attack & Stroke: Low blood oxygen levels and frequent waking events can activate the stress response, which increases blood pressure and leads to the development of arrhythmias. This will significantly increase the risks of a heart attack or even stroke, both of which can be deadly.
- Sudden Cardiac Death at Night
Research has shown, untreated sleep apnea increases the risk of sudden cardiac death, particularly while sleeping.
- Accidents Resulting from Daytime Yawning
Extreme sleepiness during the daytime has the potential to result in fatal accidents while driving or at work.
- Exacerbating Other Chronic Conditions
Sleep apnea can make the comorbidities of diabetes, obesity, and COPD even riskier and therefore further increase all-cause mortality.
Symptoms to watch out for:
If a person has any of the following symptoms, they must ensure to seek appropriate sleep apnea treatment:
- Loud and ongoing snoring
- Gasping for air and/or choking during sleep
- Morning headaches
- Daytime sleepiness or excessive sleep, falling asleep throughout the day
- Lost focus or concentration
Eliminating the Risk of Death From Sleep Apnea
The good news for the patients is that sleep apnea is a treatable condition. If a sleep study or polysomnography is conducted, a sleep physician will be able to confirm if a condition exists, and a sleep apnea treatment in mohali plan can be developed, which may include:
- Lifestyle changes: weight loss, avoidance of alcohol before bed, and sleeping on the side.
- CPAP therapy: Continuous positive airway pressure prevents the airway from closing when sleeping.
- Oral devices: devices to reposition the jaw for sleeping.
- Surgery: If the apnea is severe and anatomical issues are the cause.
If you are looking for the best pulmonology hospital in Mohali or the best sleep apnea specialist near me, Sohana Hospital might just be the right choice for you. Sohana Hospital Mohali is home to the world’s most advanced technology and North India’s most trusted and experienced pulmonologists and sleep specialists, who provide the most comprehensive and holistic treatment for all the sleep-related issues of the patients. Book your appointment today!