How Long Can You Live With Untreated Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep-related disorder that affects about 20% of obese individuals and 3% of normal-weight people. Sleep apnea is a condition wherein there is an obstruction to the airway while sleeping. That causes brief pauses in breathing when one is sleeping. Most people with this disorder are oblivious to the fact. It could go unnoticed for several years. The frightening part is that sleep apnea leads to various complications in general body health. You can make appointments with a sleep clinic near you if you suspect you have sleep apnea. Early treatment could save you from a lot of stress.

Is sleep apnea a life-threatening disorder? The answer is yes. There have been death cases related to sleep apnea. The cessation of breath during sleep apnea could span for as long as 10 seconds. It is detrimental to one’s heart, brain, and other vital organs. Hence, it is crucial to get treated if you have sleep apnea. Why? Let’s see.

Why Is It Necessary To Treat Sleep Apnea?

One can mistake sleep apnea for snoring. Although one could be snoring due to sleep apnea, they are not synonymous with one another.

How can you determine if you have sleep apnea? It is hardly possible to detect it by oneself. At-home Sleep apnea tests are most effective. One’s bed partner should observe any halt in breathing when sleeping. Loud snoring could also be a sign but not all the time. Untreated sleep apnea gradually decreases the quality of life. It could lead to insomnia, and some people can even have heart attacks in their sleep.

Furthermore, sleep apnea lessens the amount of oxygen your body receives during sleep. Hence, one’s body is affected in diverse ways. Stroke and diabetes are some health-related hazards that are complications of sleep apnea.

Taylor Made Sleep is a brand that could provide the appropriate treatments for your sleep apnea. You can book an appointment with us today.

Treatment Options For Obstructive Sleep Apnea

There are two kinds of sleep apnea: Obstructive sleep apnea and Central sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea affects more people. A proper health condition diagnosis comes first when tackling sleep apnea problems. It is crucial to ascertain the type of sleep apnea and its severity. The approach of treatments depends on the severity of the case.

A mild sleep apnea situation might only require dental devices or breathing supports. A severe sleep apnea case could be more intensive therapy processes. Obstructive sleep apnea treatment is vital to decrease deterioration of one’s cognitive abilities as sleep lifestyle plays a crucial role in ensuring well-being. Some obstructive sleep apnea treatments include;

• Reducing Weight: Most individuals with sleep apnea are overweight. Weight loss is effective means to lessen the negative impacts of sleep apnea. Snoring reduces considerably as well.
• Positive Airway Pressure Devices: This appliance increases the pressure in the airway. One of the machines that provide this air is the Continuous Positive Airway Pressure(CPAP), an oxygen mask is used together with this machine. It lessens the fatality of severe obstructive apnea. Events of reduced breathing during sleep get reduced.
• Oral Devices: Sleep apnea with dental appliances that come as orthodontic mouthguards. The oral device pushes the lower jaw forward. It makes the airspace wider for air to pass through. Some dentists recommend using orthodontic appliances with Continous Positive Airway Pressure to deal with complicated sleep apnea situations.
• Nasal Decongestants: Congested nasal pathway could contribute to mild sleep apnea. Decongestants can help bring relief and reduce the blockage of the airway.
• Change of sleep positions: Research has shown that lying on the back might increase snoring and lead to mild sleep apnea. It is advisable to change positions periodically when sleeping.

Another treatment option is surgery. It differs for both adults and children. Surgery is a choice considered if other therapy processes are unsuitable or ineffective.

Conclusion

Sleep apnea is not untreatable. The first step to recovery is an accurate diagnosis. Is it mild, severe, or even moderate? It determines the kinds of treatment possible. It is important to get therapy immediately after diagnosis. Sleep apnea could shorten lifespan and cause long-lasting complications. Visit a sleep clinic to find out more.