Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that can significantly impact the quality of life. In addition to the many physical and mental health issues that can occur from sleep apnea, there is also the question of whether or not sleep apnea can shorten life expectancy.
Sleep Apnea Explained
Sleep apnea is a disorder that causes the airway to become blocked while an individual is sleeping, resulting in periods of time during the night where breathing stops and starts. These pauses can last up to 60 seconds and can occur multiple times throughout the night. The most common type of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea, where the airway becomes blocked due to relaxation of the muscles in the throat. The less common types of sleep apnea are central sleep apnea, where the brain fails to properly signal the muscles to breathe, and mixed sleep apnea, which is a combination of both obstructive and central sleep apnea.
Health Risks of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea can cause a number of health issues. Common symptoms include loud snoring, pauses in breathing, gasping and choking, restlessness during sleep, morning headaches, difficulty concentrating, memory impairment, and fatigue during the day. These symptoms arise from the fact that the body is not getting the correct ratio of oxygen to carbon dioxide during these sleeping episodes.
In addition to the symptoms of sleep apnea, the disorder can also contribute to an increased risk of developing other health issues. These include hypertension, stroke, cardiovascular disease, arrhythmia, and heart failure. There are also complications with diabetes and obesity, and an increased risk of liver problems. Additionally, recent studies have suggested that individuals with sleep apnea have an increased risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Can Sleep Apnea Shorten Life Expectancy?
While sleep apnea does not generally directly shorten life expectancy, it can significantly impact one’s quality of life. In addition to the health issues associated with sleep apnea, there are also social and work-related issues that can arise. For example, individuals with sleep apnea may have trouble participating in leisure activities with friends and family, have difficulty remembering details in conversations, and difficulty concentrating at work or school. These issues can lead to strained relationships and an impact on one’s job performance.
There is also evidence to suggest that those with more severe forms of sleep apnea may have a shorter life expectancy. A study published in the European Respiratory Journal showed that moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea was associated with a significantly increased risk of death from any cause when compared to individuals without sleep apnea. Additionally, studies have suggested that those with untreated sleep apnea may have a shorter life expectancy than those who receive treatment for the disorder.
Getting Treatment for Sleep Apnea
Fortunately, there are options for treating sleep apnea. In many cases, individuals can see improvement in their symptoms and reduction of health risks by simply making lifestyle changes. For example, losing weight, quitting smoking, and avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bedtime can improve symptoms. In addition to lifestyle changes, many individuals benefit from the use of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. The CPAP machine is a device that increases air pressure in the throat to keep the airway from collapsing during sleep. There are also oral devices, such as a mouthpiece or dental splint, that can be used to adjust the position of the jaw, keeping the airway open.
Conclusion
Sleep apnea can have a significant impact on one’s quality of life and can increase the risk of developing a number of serious health issues. There is also evidence to suggest that those with more severe forms of sleep apnea may have a shorter life expectancy. For these reasons, it is important to be aware of the symptoms of sleep apnea and to find treatment in order to minimize these impacts. By making simple lifestyle changes, using a CPAP machine, or using an oral device, it is possible to improve symptoms and reduce the risk of complications associated with sleep apnea.
