Researchers have now found that people with obstructive sleep apnea may be at greater risk for sudden cardiac death. The researchers from the Yaho Clinic in Rochester MN found that the risk of sudden cardiac death or resuscitated cardiac arrest increased with reduced oxygen levels during sleep.

Obstructive sleep apnea has long been associated with heart disease and risk of early death. “A specific link to sudden cardiac death was suggested by the finding that sudden cardiac death is more likely to occur during usual sleep hours in individuals with obstructive sleep apnea, which is the time when sudden cardiac death is least likely in individuals without the sleep disorder and in the population” explained the authors.

Obstructive sleep apnea causes reduced oxygen levels during sleep because the sleeper stops breathing. During sleep the soft tissues of the mouth and throat relax and collapse, blocking the airway and stopping breathing. When the brain registers the drop in oxygen levels in the body it briefly wakens the sleeper, who gasps for air, to begin breathing again. The sleeper does not remember these brief wakings and does not understand why they feel so exhausted each morning.

Oral appliance therapy keeps the airway open during sleep without the masks and hoses associated with CPAP. Find out more about sleep apnea and oral appliance therapy by contacting Columbus sleep apnea dentist Dr. Mark Levy today at 614-476-6696 to schedule a consultation.