{"id":464,"date":"2024-02-24T23:47:00","date_gmt":"2024-02-24T23:47:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.the611dentist.com\/blog\/?p=464"},"modified":"2024-03-24T23:55:22","modified_gmt":"2024-03-24T23:55:22","slug":"untreated-sleep-apnea-can-have-deadly-consequences","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.centresmilesdental.com\/blog\/untreated-sleep-apnea-can-have-deadly-consequences\/","title":{"rendered":"Can You Die From Sleep Apnea?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"NormalMany people associate sleep apnea with chronic snoring. Although snoring is a common symptom of the breathing disorder, it\u2019s the least of your concerns if you have sleep apnea<\/a>. Believe it or not, you can experience potentially deadly complications with no treatment. Here\u2019s why you should seek treatment for sleep apnea right away.<\/p>\n

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What is Sleep Apnea?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the more prevalent form of the condition. It causes frequent breathing disruptions from an obstruction in the upper airway caused by the tissues in the back of the mouth or the tongue collapsing. Each pause in breathing can last for a minute or longer. Each event depletes your body of oxygen and interrupts your sleep cycle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Risks of Untreated Sleep Apnea<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Everytime you stop breathing, your brain will jolt you awake to inhale. You may wake up choking or gasping for air. You may not even be aware of the brief awakenings, but your sleep cycle will be affected. Initially, you may experience daytime fatigue. Over time, sleep deprivation can occur. Your cognitive abilities can decline, which is dangerous when driving or operating heavy machinery. Sleep deprivation increases your risk of drowsy driving, which can result in auto accidents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Every time you are deprived of oxygen, it strains every system in your body, including your heart. Untreated sleep apnea is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can also be at risk of diabetes, obesity, and many other factors that are known to shorten your lifespan. Sleep apnea can also increase your risk of depression, mood changes, anxiety, and memory loss. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Options to Treat Sleep Apnea<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You have multiple options to treat sleep apnea. Your sleep specialist will create a personalized treatment plan, which may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n