Sleep Apnea Can be Deadly

According to a new study conducted at the University of Baltimore, those who suffer from breathing difficulties while sleeping, such as sleep apnea have an increased risk of premature death. The risk of premature death for those with severe sleep apnea is 46% higher than for those without it. The risk is greatest for men between the ages of 40 and 70 years.

Sleep apnea repeatedly disrupts breathing during a person's sleep. Breathing may stop for a minute or longer and this may occur hundreds of times over the course of a night's sleep. Of the three types of sleep apnea, obstructive is the most common, which occurs when the tissue in the back of the throat collapses during sleep.

Sleep apnea is very common, affecting more than 12 million Americans. Common risk factors are being male, overweight and over the age of 40. It can result in memory problems, weight gain, impotence, headaches, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. People with mild breathing disorders during sleep were not found more likely to die prematurely.

The best way to treat sleep apnea is weight loss. Another successful way to treat it is a mask that applies pressure to keep the airways of a patient open during sleep. A third way is a mouth guard that pulls the patient's mouth forward. The researchers hope to determine if these treatments can reduce the risk of premature death.

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