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Before focusing on the various aspects related and relevant to the question Can sleep apnea kill you? It seems important to highlight the meaning, benefits, and problems affecting sleep quality. And sleep apnea is one such problem that adversely affects the quality of sleep and, consequently, the quality of life.
Veritably, sleep is a biological demand (like foods and drinks). Sleep is essential for every living being (man or animal). And Sleep is a state in which the person is less responsive to outward stimuli (as compared to a usual waking state). Sleep is necessary for work and an active and healthy life. Like work, sleep or complete uninterrupted rest is integral to our daily routine job. On average, about 1/3rd (8 hours) of a day is spent enjoying sleep. Quality sleep is indispensable to survival, just like healthy foods and drinks.
The benefits of sleep are many. Sleep affects every system and function of the body-- from the cardiovascular system/lungs/ breathing/blood pressure to mood/ appetite/ disease resistance/ metabolism (it is a biochemical process that functions for the growth and development of the human body) /immune system (it is a host of defense system existing in the body. The organs and the processes of the body that provide resistance to infection and toxins. The organs include the thymus, bone marrow, lymph nodes).
Sleep apnea is an involuntary cessation of breathing that occurs during sleep. Sleep apnea is a common and serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops during sleep. This causes a decreased flow of oxygen in the blood which can briefly awaken the sleeper.
Hypopnea is a type of sleep apnea. The term hypopnea means abnormally slow or shallow breathing. While sleep apnea means periods of no breathing. The difference between the 2 is explained by the degree of blockage in the patient’s air passage.
Yes, sleep apnea can become life-threatening if not treated at the right time. If we stop the spread of oxygen in the body, it can be fatal for us. If the breathing stops for a long period, along with increased blood pressure, it can be life-threatening. A stroke or a heart attack can result from this result. We have heard of people dying in their sleep, which can be a disorder. Sleep Apnea, along with other health issues, is more dangerous. If a person with diabetes or sleep apnea is not treated, they can develop many problems.
Sleep is also important to several brain functions (including how nerve cells or neurons communicate with each other). While one sleeps, the brain and the body stay remarkably active. Sleep plays a key role in removing toxins from the brain (that build up while one remains awake).
Various research studies reveal that chronic sleep deprivation or poor-quality sleep may invite serious health troubles like obesity/ high blood pressure/ depression/ diabetes/ kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease.
Metaphorically, a sleepless night means a stressful and awful night. Again, life means “the running cycle of sleep followed by wake and work.” But death means “the sleep that never breaks” Conclusively, sound sleep means sound health and a lively and fresh mind.
For instance, if anyone naps for a ½ hour and has AHI =4 (AHI is a unit to measure the severity of sleep apnea expressed per hour), then the implication is that the person experiences only 2 apneas within a ½ hour which is normal. (Because AHI=4 denotes the frequency occurring within an hour).
Major symptoms (such as pauses as well as snoring) are common for each and everybody. Still, to some extent, the symptoms differ depending on age and gender, as stated below.
Varieties of symptoms arise among adults, but the major symptoms include snoring and daytime tiredness (Snoring is a familiar and disordered condition of sleep occurring due to the interruption in the free movement of air through the nose and the throat. Daytime tiredness is the outcome of poor quality of sleep).
Conclusively, children with untreated sleep apnea run the risk of having behavioral, adaptive, and learning problems.
6.1) Sleep apnea is a common and serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops for 10 seconds or more during sleep. The disorder results in decreased oxygen in the blood and can awaken the sleeper throughout the night.
6.2) Pregnancy complications and risks become higher in patients with sleep apnea.
6.3) Patients suffering from sleep apnea who are undergoing any surgery are at increased risk for developing respiratory (surgery and anesthesia are the prime causes of reparatory complications. Symptoms include: breathing problems/ labored breathing/ shallow breathing/ chest congestion/ asthma) and other complications during the period following surgery.
6.4) Patients with sleep apnea have a greater risk of sudden cardiac arrest (In this condition, the heart malfunctions. Consequently, the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating, which can cause death).
Causes are the agents directly responsible for the occurrence of a disease. On the other hand, a risk factor is not necessarily a cause. A risk factor may be anything that increases the likelihood of a patient developing the disease (for instance, age is a vital risk factor for any malignancy. But it can never be a cause).
7.1.1) The most common cause of sleep apnea, particularly among adults, is overweight, and obesity (an Ideal weight or otherwise, is measured by BMI, implying Body Mass Index. The formula is BMI =W/ H2. Where: W= weight in kg and H2= square of height in meter. For example, with height = 1.7 meters, BMI = 20- 25 for an ideal weight. BMI =25- 30 for an overweight. BMI= over 30 for an obese. BMI= below 18.5 for underweight)
Veritably, being overweight and obese are closely related to the mouth and throat soft tissue. During sleep, when the throat and the tongue muscles are more relaxed, the soft tissue can cause the air passage to become blocked, triggering the symptoms of sleep apnea.
7.1.2) In children, sleep apnea causes enlarged tonsils and adenoids (an adenoid is a palate of tonsils lying high up in the throat and just behind the nose. The adenoids, along with the tonsils, form part of the lymphatic system and work by trapping germs through the mouth and the nose. Adenoids usually start to shrink after age 5)
As regards the occurrence of sleep apnea among children, other important causes are tumors (an abnormal growth of cells that serves no purpose. When a benign tumor spreads and deteriorates to malignancy, then it is called cancer)/ large overbite (An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth overlap with the lower front teeth. Most people have overbite to some extent) / growth in the air passage and birth defects. Such as.
Obesity, as well as being overweight, also plays a key role as a risk factor. Apart from that, hereditary factors play a significant role in aggravating the symptoms, including narrow throat/ hypothyroidism (it implies an underactive thyroid or low thyroid). It is a thyroid disorder in which the thyroid gland produces insufficient thyroid hormones. Hypothyroidism can invite several symptoms that include: the poor ability to tolerate colds/ extreme tiredness/ constipation/ depression/ weight gain) /production of growth hormone/ acromegaly (a hormonal disorder resulting from too much growth of hormone in the body).
The pituitary is a small gland in the brain that makes hormones. In acromegaly, the pituitary gland produces an excessive amount of growth hormone) /allergens (it is harmless substances, such as food/ pollen/ dust/ mites causing an allergic reaction) and other medical conditions, such as deviated septum (it is a condition in which the nasal septum, i.e., the bone and the cartilage that divide the nasal cavity of the nose is significantly off the center or crooked that makes the breathing difficult. Most people have imbalances in the size of breathing passages) that create congestion in the upper air passage. Also, excessive sedatives and the 2 expensive bad habits- smoking and alcohol can trigger the symptoms.
The patient will likely be referred to the sleep disorder center's sleep specialist to evaluate and do the needful. The doctor makes an evaluation based on the signs/ symptoms/ sleep history, which can be best provided by the family member, preferably sharing the bed.
The test is conducted during sleep when the patient is hooked to the equipment that monitors the heart/lungs/ brain activity/ breathing pattern/ arms and legs movement.
The doctor might provide simplified tests to be conducted at home to diagnose the disease. These tests usually measure the heart rate/blood oxygen level/ airflow/breathing patterns. If the results arrive abnormal, the doctor might be able to prescribe therapy (In fact, therapy and treatment are different. Medical professionals apply medicines/ surgery/ therapy/ lifestyle changes to treat the disease. On the other hand, therapy is applied to cure a specific health disorder. Veritably, therapy is part of an overall treatment procedure that helps the patient to feel better and stronger. For instance, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are applied to heal cancer).
Conclusively, suppose the portable monitoring devices fail to detect the root causes of sleep apnea. The doctor might still recommend a polysomnography test, even if the initial test results are normal. Additionally, if the sleep apnea problem is suspected, the sleep specialist will first refer to an ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat) specialist to rule out the blockage in the nose or throat. Over and above, a cardiologist (for evaluation of heart functions) and a neurologist (for evaluating the nervous system) may be needed to identify the major causes of sleep apnea.
The problem of sleep apnea can be categorized into 3 major heads depending on the symptoms experienced. However, they are all the same about the involuntary cessation of breathing that occurs for a while during sleep.
It is a more common type that causes sleep to stop and start repeatedly. It is characterized by the intermittent relaxation of throat muscles/`repetitive closing of the upper air passage/repetitive oxygen disturbances, and sleep fragmentation. The noticeable symptom is snoring.
It occurs when the brain does not signal properly to the muscles that control breathing. It is less common and differs from obstructive sleep apnea (in which case the patient can’t breathe normally because of upper air passage obstruction).
It is a type of sleep apnea, having slept with disordered breathing. In such cases, repetitive central apneas occur (persisting for more than 5 hours when obstructive events are extinguished with positive air passage pressure)
The sleep apnea problem can be classified into mild vs. moderate vs. severe types. Even though there is no sharp line of demarcations among them, it is still accepted that the ODI (Oxygen De-saturation Index is defined as the number of times per hour of sleep that the blood’s oxygen level drops by a certain degree from baseline. The ODI is typically measured as a part of standard sleep criteria) = 90% and above denotes mild sleep apnea / ODI = 80%- 89% denotes moderate sleep apnea / ODI = below 80% denotes severe sleep apnea.
Various treatment options are stated below.
For milder sleep apnea symptoms, the doctor may initially recommend only lifestyle changes (such as losing weight due to overweight and obesity/regular physical workout, notably morning walking/avoiding smoking, alcohol, and unhealthy foods and drinks).
Even a slight weight loss may invite a large gain (through relieving constrictions in the throat). Sleep apnea problems can often be resolved after shedding excess weight. But the problem may return if excess weight is regained.
Regular physical workouts are health-friendly for any age and gender that can cure or prevent most diseases. Regular exercise can ease the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea (even without weight loss). Daily moderate physical activity (preferably at least 30 minutes of morning walking) will help mitigate the problem.
Medications (such as sleeping pills and tranquilizers) should be avoided as far as possible. These medications relax the muscles in the back of the throat, interfering with the natural breathing system.
Sleeping on one side (rather than lying on the back) can reduce sleep apnea symptoms. Because sleeping on the back can cause the tongue and soft palate to rest against the back of the throat and thus block the air passage. So, to prevent rolling (that may cause you to lie on the back during sleep), a tennis ball can be attached to the back-top side of the sleeping trouser or pants before bed. Other commercial devices vibrate when the patient rolls on the back of the body during sleep.
Unhealthy junk foods and drinks (including the 2 expensive bad habits: smoking and alcohol, which have no social and religious recognition) should be avoided. It needs to be mentioned that, on average, 1 person dies every 10 seconds somewhere in the world only due to smoking-related diseases (source: The World Health Organization, 2015).
Conclusively, self-care through lifestyle changes and home remedies are the best option as they involve no cost regarding side effects and money spent. However, if the treatments do not improve the symptoms, or if the symptoms arrive in moderate or severe form, then several other options are available (one of the alternative devices is to open the blocked air passage. And in some other cases, surgery may be needed). Additionally, if an allergy problem also exists in addition to sleep apnea, then allergy treatment is needed.
Patients with moderate to severe sleep apnea might benefit from a machine that delivers air pressure through a mask while sleeping. With CPAP therapies, the air pressure becomes somewhat greater (than the surrounding area), which is just enough to keep the upper air passages open and prevent sleep apnea as snoring.
Conclusively, CPAP is the most common and reliable method of treating sleep apnea. But some patients find it cumbersome and uncomfortable and give it up. Most patients, with regular practice, can learn and adjust everything with time. Those who cannot adjust can meet the doctor, who can make necessary changes and adjustments in the setting of the mask. Additionally, suppose any other problems arise regarding snoring or other trouble (such as weight changes). In that case, the doctor will do the needful in the pressure setting of the CPAP device.
Still, after consulting the doctor, if the CPAP machine continues to remain a problem, then a different type of air passage pressure device (Auto CPAP, which automatically adjusts the pressure while the patient is asleep) can be applied. Alternatively, the BPAP (Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure) machine may also be used.
Conclusively, all these devices provide more pressure when the patient inhales and less pressure when the patient exhales.
I am another option to wear OA (designed to keep the throat open).
It is better to try different devices before use. Once the right fit is found, it is well advised to continue with that device. Further, it should be regularly checked so that the fit is still excellent and adjustable. Also, the patient should remain alert whether any new signs or symptoms are experienced.
Conclusively, OA is easier to use, although, it is less effective (as compared to CPAP).
Surgery is the last option after all the treatment procedures have failed. Before going into the surgery procedure, applying at least a 3-month trial with various alternative treatment options is advised. However, surgical options include the following procedures.
During the procedure, the doctor removes the tissues from the rear of the mouth and the top of the throat. The tonsils, as well as the adenoids, are usually removed in the procedure. This surgery successfully stops the throat structures from vibrating and causing snores.
It is another option to shrink the tissue at the rear of the mouth and back of the throat by applying radiofrequency ablation (it is a procedure to reduce pain. An electrical current produced by a radio wave is used to heat a small area of nerve tissue to reduce pain in the impacted area).
Conclusively, the procedure might be used in mild or moderate sleep apnea having fewer surgical risks.
The jaw is moved forward from the remainder of the facial bones in the procedure. The procedure enlarges the space (behind the tongue and soft palate), making obstructive sleep apnea less likely. The procedure is known as maxillomandibular advancement (it is asleep surgery performed to move the upper jaw and the lower jaw forward)
In the procedure, the plastic rods are surgically implanted into the soft palate (after the patient receives local anesthesia).
This requires surgery to insert a stimulator for the nerve that controls the tongue movement. The increased stimulator helps keep the tongue in a position that helps the air passage to remain open.
It is a surgical procedure, either temporary or permanent. The procedure involves creating a new air passage in the neck of the patient by inserting a tube (made of metal or plastic) into the windpipe through which the patient breathes. The tube is placed through a cut in the neck below the vocal cords. This allows air to enter the lungs.
During the daytime, the opening is kept covered. But at night, the opening is uncovered to allow air to pass in and out of the lungs (bypassing the blocked air passage in the throat)
12.1) If possible, sharing a bed with a family member is important for sleep apnea patients. Because the concerned family member sharing the bed can best explain the symptoms (experienced during sleep by the patient) to the doctor.
12.2) Before consulting the doctor, the patient should get well prepared with all necessary information about regular and occasional medicines/ vitamins/ supplements specifying the dose and the time since the medicines/vitamins/supplements are used. Additionally, the patient needs to explain specific health problems, if any, such as high blood pressure/ heart disease/ diabetes (including the length of period suffered). Over and above, the personal and family history of diseases and, more importantly, the lifestyle being followed (such as food habits/ physical activity/ sleep time at night, mentioning the duration) should be reported to the doctor.
12.3) to conduct an effective and appropriate diagnosis for treatment, the doctor may raise many a question (such as whether the symptoms are continuous or come and go/ how severe the symptoms are/ how many times the breathing stops during sleep at night/ is there anything that improves the symptoms/ or is there anything that worsens the symptoms, such as sleeping position by lying on the back). The patient should be well prepared in advance to accurately answer all the questions for the correct diagnosis, followed by the effective treatment procedure
Conclusively, if the family member or friend sharing the bed is a physician, it is all the better, as the bed sharer can best explain all the symptoms observed in the patient's case.
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