Is Sleep Apnea Fatal? Dr. Lauck Explains
Sleep apnea is a distressing sleep disorder — it manifests subtly and takes a toll on your mental and physical health. Unfortunately, many people are unaware that sleep apnea has harmful short- and long-term effects, some of which can be fatal.
Read on to learn how treating sleep apnea could help extend your lifespan.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a disorder that causes your airway to become blocked during sleep, causing your brain to wake up due to the lack of oxygen. This occurs when your throat muscles relax and cause your tongue to fall back into the airway.
Because of these frequent disturbances, people who suffer from sleep apnea don’t go through the proper sleep cycles. Some patients don’t even remember waking up during the night.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Common signs and symptoms of sleep apnea include:
- Snoring, choking, or coughing at night
- Frequent nighttime urination
- Morning headaches
- Persistent dry mouth or sore throat
- Difficult falling asleep or waking up
- Daytime exhaustion
- Mood swings or irritability
OSA can also affect those around you. Your partner and family might even notice that you’re having a hard time sleeping before you do. Our patients often report their partner noticing lapses in breathing at night.
How Does Sleep Apnea Affect The Body?
Sleep apnea affects your whole body in unexpected ways. Finding relief from this serious medical condition can help you live a longer, happier life. Studies have shown that people under 50 who have severe OSA have higher general death rates.
Sleep apnea is associated with many disorders, such as:
- High blood pressure
- Stroke
- Heart disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Liver problems
- Depression
- Anxiety
Can Treating Sleep Apnea Extend Your Life?
Sleep apnea contributes to the development and symptoms of many distressing health problems. Thankfully, it’s possible to live comfortably and correct many of those issues with the guidance of your doctor and treatment for OSA.
Living without symptoms such as daytime sleepiness, headaches, and irritability can help you find the energy to eat healthier, exercise during the day, and perform better at work. Treating sleep apnea can also provide immediate relief for your sleep-related symptoms and give you the strength you need to face related disorders.
Plus, breathing consistently throughout the night improves your blood flow, reducing your risk of high blood pressure, stroke, and heart disease. Those disorders have high death rates, so it’s vital to reduce your risk however you can.
Treatments for Sleep Apnea
At North Texas Sleep Center, we provide effective treatments for mild to severe sleep apnea, helping you get the rest you need at night. Our treatments help your airway stay clear, so you’ll fall fully asleep. Our treatments for sleep apnea include:
- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Machine – The most common sleep apnea treatment, CPAP machines create pressurized airflow through your lungs. That helps your airway stay clear of any excess tissue in your throat, so you’ll breathe clearly.
- Oral Appliance Therapy – Oral appliance therapy is a gentle, subtle method of treating sleep apnea that allows you to sleep comfortably in any position. This option is the most portable device for treating sleep apnea.
- Surgery – Dr. Lauck is experienced in oral surgery to prevent sleep apnea. In this surgery, she’ll remove excess tissue from around the throat and widen the airway. This option works best for people who experience severe, chronic sleep apnea.
Visit North Texas Sleep Solutions for Sleep Apnea Treatment
At our Keller office, we prioritize finding comfortable solutions that will target your distressing sleep apnea symptoms. Treating OSA can improve your overall health and reduce your risk of harmful disorders that can shorten your lifespan.
Dr. Lauck is an expert sleep dentist who can find the right solution for you and your family. Call (817) 431-6764 today to schedule your appointment with our experienced sleep staff and get the rest you deserve.