Can sleep apnea cause death to the sufferer?

There is nothing more unromantic than sleeping next to a shredder or someone who snores. It is a worldwide phenomenon with estimates of over one billion people who do so in bed due to some type of nasal or airway blockage.

Although the subject of some jest it can be a part of a larger sleeping disorder that warrants treatment. Quite apart from unromantic and unpleasant sentiments which can be left to tolerance, there is a more serious health issue that can be raised. Experts identify it as one of the symptoms of what is called sleep apnea. Sleep apnea can be recognized by a number of symptoms. They are;

• Loud and irregular snoring
• Experiencing of a sensation of choking
• Headaches during early-morning
• Extreme lethargy during daytime, fatigue or sleepiness
• Gasping for breath during sleeping

It is important to keep in mind that the individual with sleep apnea is hardly ever aware of having trouble breathing, even upon being woken. It remains a disorder only apparent to others and not the patient since there is no obvious discomfort. Sleep apnea is often recognized as a problem by those who witness the individual during such episodes. Yet another reason to suspect sleep apnea can be its effects on the body which include extreme lethargy, fatigue or sleepiness.

The more serious question remains -Can sleep apnea cause death to the sufferer?

Research shows that sleep apnea causes the airway tightening leading to difficulty in breathing and eventually a complete shutdown of air pipes. Further, untreated sleep apnea significantly associated with increased risk of death, Heart failure. These can all amount to causing the untimely death of a person which can be prevented through early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Thus since Sleep apnea is a very serious disease, any person who is suspected of it must be directed to a doctor for further diagnosis since it can well be a matter between life and death.