Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA): A silent killer
Dr. Brendan Stack, DDS, MS, a leading expert on sleep apnea, is quoted as saying, "Life expectancy is 20% shorter with untreated OSA." This is a startling claim, but a growing body of research supports it.
OSA is a sleep disorder in which breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep. This can happen hundreds of times each night, and each interruption lasts several seconds. The lack of oxygen can damage the heart, brain, and other organs, and it can lead to many serious health problems, including:
High blood pressure
Heart disease
Stroke
Diabetes
Depression
Obesity
Increased risk of accidents
OSA is a serious condition, but it is also treatable. There are several different treatments available, and the best treatment for you will depend on the severity of your OSA and your individual needs.
How does OSA affect life expectancy?
There are many ways in which OSA can shorten life expectancy. One way is by increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. OSA can damage the arteries and heart muscle, and it can also increase the risk of blood clots. These changes can lead to heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular events.
Another way in which OSA can shorten life expectancy is by increasing the risk of diabetes. OSA can lead to insulin resistance, making it difficult for the body to control blood sugar levels. Over time, this can lead to type 2 diabetes.
OSA can also increase the risk of depression. Depression is a common complication of OSA, and it can be difficult to treat. People with depression are more likely to have suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
In addition to these specific health risks, OSA can also reduce life expectancy in a more general way. OSA can lead to fatigue, daytime sleepiness, and difficulty concentrating. These symptoms can make it difficult to work, study, and enjoy life. People with OSA are more likely to have accidents and injuries.
Treatment for OSA
There are many different treatments available for OSA. The best treatment for you will depend on the severity of your OSA and your individual needs.
Lifestyle changes
The first line of treatment for OSA is often lifestyle changes. These changes may include:
Losing weight
Quitting smoking
Reducing alcohol consumption
Sleeping on your side
Avoiding sleeping pills and sedatives
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)
CPAP is a non-invasive treatment that uses a machine to deliver pressurized air through a mask worn over the nose or mouth. The air pressure keeps the airway open during sleep. CPAP is the most effective treatment for OSA, but it isn’t always easy to tolerate.
Oral appliance therapy
Oral appliance therapy involves wearing a mouthpiece that helps to keep the airway open during sleep. Oral appliances are less effective than CPAP, but they are often easier to tolerate.
Surgery
Surgery is an option for people with OSA who do not respond to lifestyle changes or CPAP. There are a number of different surgical procedures that can be used to treat OSA, depending on the underlying cause of the obstruction.
Conclusion
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a serious condition that can shorten life expectancy. However, it is also a treatable condition. There are a number of different treatments available, and the best treatment for you will depend on the severity of your OSA and your individual needs. If you think you may have OSA, talk to Dr. Johnson or our staff for a treatment plan customized for you.