What Is The Life Expectancy With Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition that affects millions of people worldwide. But what is the life expectancy with sleep apnea? This blog post aims to shed light on this important question, providing valuable insights on the signs, symptoms, and treatment options available for sleep apnea patients.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a common but serious sleep disorder where your breathing repeatedly stops and starts while you sleep. This can occur hundreds of times in a single night, leading to interrupted sleep and a host of health issues. The most common type is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), which happens when the muscles in the back of your throat relax, blocking the airway. This can lead to lower oxygen levels in the blood and can severely impact your overall health and life expectancy if left untreated.

How Do I Know If I Have Sleep Apnea? 

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea is vital for timely diagnosis and treatment. Key symptoms to be aware of include:

• Loud Snoring: This is often the most noticeable symptom, characterized by snoring that is loud and persistent, and sometimes accompanied by gasping or choking sounds.
• Episodes of Interrupted Breathing: A critical symptom where breathing stops for short periods during sleep.
• Abrupt Awakenings Accompanied by Gasping or Choking: Waking up suddenly and feeling as though you can't breathe, which can be quite distressing.
• Morning Headache: Frequent headaches when waking up, which may be a sign of disrupted sleep and reduced oxygen levels during the night.
• Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (Hypersomnia): Feeling unusually tired during the day, even after a full night's sleep, which can lead to falling asleep during routine activities.
• Attention Problems: Experiencing difficulty with focusing or concentrating, which might manifest as forgetfulness or an inability to complete tasks.
• Irritability: Increased moodiness or irritability, which could also include symptoms of depression or anxiety.

If you or your partner notice any of these symptoms, seeking medical attention promptly is crucial. These symptoms can be indicative of sleep apnea, a condition that requires professional evaluation and possibly a sleep study for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

Sleep Apnea Treatment Options

Fortunately, sleep apnea is treatable. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is the most common treatment, but oral appliances and night guards are becoming increasingly popular for their comfort and convenience. These devices, offered at Be More Dental, are custom-fit to your mouth and work by adjusting the position of your jaw and tongue to keep your airway open while you sleep. They are portable, easy to use, and highly effective in managing sleep apnea symptoms.

The Impact Of Sleep Apnea On Life Expectancy

Research indicates untreated sleep apnea can significantly decrease life expectancy. It’s linked to a host of health complications, including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and depression. However, with proper diagnosis and treatment, individuals with sleep apnea can manage their symptoms, improve their quality of life, and potentially extend their life expectancy.

Take Control Of Your Sleep Today

Don’t let sleep apnea rob you of your health and well-being. If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea in Baltimore, it’s time to take action. At Be More Dental, Dr. Amanda Hurley offers personalized, effective sleep apnea treatments, including oral appliances and night guards. Contact us today at (410) 276-4455 to schedule your appointment. Take the first step towards restful sleep and a healthier, longer life.