Caregiver Tips

Can You Die from Sleep Apnea?

Diane Carbo

Sep 29, 2023 — 9 min read

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that affects millions of people around the world. It is characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep, resulting in poor quality sleep and fatigue throughout the day. These breathing pauses can last from seconds to minutes, and can occur up to 30 or more times an hour. When these pauses happen, oxygen levels in the blood are reduced, leading to some serious health problems.

Types of Sleep Apnea

There are two main types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea (CSA). OSA occurs when the muscles in the throat relax, blocking the airway, while CSA occurs when the brain fails to send signals to the muscles that control breathing.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

The most common symptoms of sleep apnea include loud snoring, gasping or choking during sleep, daytime fatigue, morning headaches, and difficulty concentrating. Some other symptoms may include nighttime sweating, high blood pressure, insomnia, and dry mouth or sore throat upon waking.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts. The most common type of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Common signs and symptoms of OSA include:

Loud, persistent snoring
Episodes of breathing pauses during sleep, sometimes punctuated by snorts and gasps
Choking or gasping during sleep
Excessive daytime fatigue or drowsiness
Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat
Insomnia or difficulty staying asleep
Morning headaches
Restless sleep
Problems with memory and concentration
Irritability or mood changes

If left untreated, OSA can have serious consequences, including an increased risk of hypertension, stroke, heart attack, and other cardiovascular diseases. Fortunately, it can be successfully treated with positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy, lifestyle changes, oral appliances, or surgery.

Types of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition that affects an individual’s breathing during sleep, resulting in pauses in breathing and shallow breaths. While there are several types of sleep apnea, the two most common are Obstructive (OSA) and Central (CSA).

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

The most common type of sleep apnea is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). It is caused by blockage of the airway due to collapsed tissue in the throat, or the tongue blocking the airway. Symptoms of OSA include snoring, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, daytime sleepiness, and morning headaches.

Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)

Central Sleep Apnea is a less common variety of the condition. It is caused by improper signaling from the brain to the respiratory system which results in the brain not providing the necessary instructions for breathing, resulting in shallow breathing or pauses in breathing. Symptoms of CSA may include fatigue, insomnia, mood changes, and difficulty staying asleep.

Though both types of apnea can be dangerous, OSA can be more severe as it can lead to long pauses in breathing and depleted oxygen levels. It is important to note that in both cases, treatment is essential for managing symptoms and preventing more serious health complications.

Diagnosis of Sleep Apnea

If you suspect that you may have sleep apnea, it is important to visit your doctor and get a proper diagnosis. The process typically begins with a physical examination and review of any relevant medical history. Your doctor will then likely order either a sleep study or a home sleep test to confirm the diagnosis. Knowing you have sleep apnea is the first step to finding the best possible treatment.

A sleep study, also known as a polysomnogram, is typically conducted in a lab dedicated to sleep studies that are monitored by qualified medical personnel. During these tests, sensors are attached to various parts of the body to measure brain activity, breathing, and other physical activities. It can provide a detailed assessment of sleep cycles and specific breathing patterns, which can be used to diagnose sleep apnea.

For those who may not want to use a sleep lab or would prefer more privacy, there are also home sleep tests available. These tests involve using an at-home device that uses sensors to measure brain activity, heart rate, breathing, and other physical activities. Home sleep tests provide less detail than those conducted in a sleep lab, but are still a useful tool for diagnosis.

In addition to these tests, your doctor may order blood work or an X-ray to assess the condition of your lungs, heart, and other related organs. This can help to rule out any other potential underlying causes of sleep apnea.

Treating Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea can be treated with lifestyle changes as well as medications and surgery. With proper diagnosis and treatment, individuals can decrease the risk of serious complications, such as death, associated with sleep apnea.

Lifestyle Changes

Making certain lifestyle adjustments, such as avoiding alcohol, nicotine, and certain medications, can help reduce the severity of sleep apnea. Weight loss has also been proven to improve the symptoms for those who are overweight. Regular exercise and reducing stress can also help reduce the occurrences of sleep apnea.

Medications

Your doctor can prescribe medications to help reduce the number of apneic episodes during the night. These medications stimulate certain processes in the brain to help regulate breathing patterns. However, this is not a cure and is only intended to help manage the symptoms.

Surgery

Surgery may be an option if lifestyle changes are not enough to reduce the severity of your sleep apnea. One common procedure, called UPPP, removes extra tissue from the throat area to help open up the area and allow for easier breathing. Surgery is not guaranteed to work, and it does carry some risks and potential side effects.

Can You Die from Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a potentially life-threatening condition that can cause severe health complications if left untreated or poorly treated. In some cases, it can even lead to death. In this section, we will explore the deadly consequences that can be caused by sleep apnea.

One of the biggest risks of sleep apnea is an increased chance of cardiovascular diseases such as stroke and heart attack. Sleep apnea reduces the amount of oxygen available to the body during sleep, leading to a buildup of carbon dioxide in the bloodstream. This can cause serious damage to the heart and other organs in the body, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Sleep apnea also increases the risk of type 2 diabetes. Sleep apnea disrupts the body’s normal sleep-wake cycle, leading to changes in hormone production and metabolism. This can result in increased insulin resistance, making it harder for the body to maintain a healthy sugar balance and increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes.

In addition, sleep apnea can lead to an increased risk of high blood pressure, which can further contribute to serious health complications such as stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, and vision loss. Finally, sleep apnea can cause fatigue and drowsiness throughout the day, increasing the risk of car accidents and other mishaps.

Untreated or poorly treated sleep apnea can have serious long-term consequences, including death. It is important to recognize the symptoms of this condition and seek treatment, if necessary. A qualified physician can provide personalized advice on how to best manage sleep apnea and reduce the risk of developing any of the serious health complications associated with it.

Risk Factors for Developing Sleep Apnea

Certain risk factors can increase a person’s chances of developing sleep apnea. Having any of these risk factors does not guarantee that you will have sleep apnea, but it is important to be aware of them to determine if you should consider getting tested.

Age: People over the age of 40 are more likely to develop sleep apnea.
Gender: Men are more likely to develop sleep apnea than women.
Weight: Being overweight or obese increases the risk of developing sleep apnea.
Neck size: People with larger neck circumferences are more likely to suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Family history: If other members of your family have sleep apnea, you are more likely to develop it as well.
Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of developing sleep apnea.
Alcohol and sedative use: Drinking alcohol or taking sedatives close to bedtime can increase the risk of sleep apnea.

If you think you may have sleep apnea or have any of these risk factors, it's important to talk to your doctor about your concerns and get tested for sleep apnea. Through diagnosis and treatment, you can minimize the effects of this condition.

Normalizing Your Sleep Patterns

Many people with sleep apnea struggle to achieve a goodnight's sleep due to disrupted breathing. It is important to establish healthy sleep patterns and routines that can help minimize the effects of sleep apnea. Establishing a regular sleep schedule is an important step in addressing sleep apnea.

Having a consistent sleep schedule can help you get better quality sleep. This means going to bed and waking up at the same time each day. It may also be beneficial to avoid activities that can disrupt your sleep routine, like working late or watching TV too close to bedtime.

In addition to having a consistent sleep schedule, it is important to have a comfortable sleeping environment. Make sure your bedroom is dark and free from any distractions. Consider investing in a comfortable mattress and pillows that support your neck and back. You may also find relief from using a humidifier or sound machine to block out disturbing noises and regulate the temperature and humidity in the room.

It is also important to avoid substances such as caffeine and alcohol before bed. Caffeine has been known to cause disturbances in sleep and alcohol can make it harder for your body to regulate its breathing while you are asleep. If you are having trouble sleeping, try incorporating relaxing activities such as reading, writing, or taking a warm bath before bed.

By following these tips, you can improve your sleep quality and reduce the disruptive symptoms of sleep apnea. While these MAY not completely eliminate your symptoms, they can certainly help.

FAQs About Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a serious medical condition that can have severe consequences if left untreated. Many people have questions about this sleep disorder, and one of the most commonly asked questions is, “Can you die from sleep apnea?”

The answer is yes. Sleep apnea is a serious condition and it can lead to complications that can be life-threatening. For example, prolonged episodes of apnea can lead to stroke, heart attack, or even death. It is important to treat sleep apnea in order to reduce the risk of these serious complications.

Other important questions about sleep apnea include:

What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?
How is sleep apnea diagnosed?
What treatments are available for sleep apnea?
Are there any lifestyle changes that can help manage sleep apnea?
Are there any sleep apnea support groups available?

If you have questions about sleep apnea, it is important to talk to your doctor. They will be able to provide you with more information and guidance on how to best manage your condition.

Sleep Apnea Support Groups

Connecting with others who are living with sleep apnea can provide many benefits. A support group can provide a sense of understanding, advice on managing symptoms, and coping strategies to help manage the condition. These groups also connect people who have experienced similar challenges, making it easier to talk openly about their experiences.

Support groups also provide an opportunity to ask questions and gain insight from those who have already gone through the challenges of managing the condition. This can be very helpful when trying to navigate the various treatments and lifestyle changes that are necessary for managing sleep apnea. Additionally, participating in a support group may help reduce feelings of fear, isolation, and confusion that can often accompany a sleep apnea diagnosis.

The best way to find a local sleep apnea support group is to search online or contact your doctor or hospital. It can also be beneficial to attend a sleep center and ask for more information on support groups in your areas. Some online support groups can be found on social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter.

Joining a support group is a great way to stay connected with one another and receive support and understanding. Connecting with peers who understand the condition can help you better manage your symptoms and make sure you get the help you need to live a healthier life.

Sleep apnea is a serious condition that can have dangerous consequences if left untreated. It is essential that those experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea recognize the warning signs, seek medical advice and support, and receive prompt treatment. Without treatment, the effects of sleep apnea can be far more severe, such as an increased risk of stroke, heart attack, and even death. Though the possibility of death from sleep apnea is rare, it is a very real risk for those who do not receive the necessary treatment. It is therefore important that individuals understand the signs and symptoms of this condition, and seek proper medical care, in order to reduce the likelihood of these dangerous complications.