Sleep apnea deaths are devastating, but far more common than many people realize. In fact, sleep apnea has played a role in the death of several prominent figures such as the iconic Carrie Fisher. Around 25 million Americans are diagnosed with some form of sleep apnea. This sleeping disorder is devastating for both the mind and body. The real danger with this disorder is the fact that so many Americans don’t realize they have it.

There are many treatment options available to treat this common disorder. However, treatment is only effective if the patient is diagnosed and provided with a treatment plan. Studies show that around 25% of the population between the ages of 30 and 70 years have some form of sleep apnea. A large portion of these people are unaware that they’re suffering from this potentially deadly disorder. One of the primary symptoms, daytime drowsiness, is often dismissed as having a different cause. In reality, many of these people may suffer from the disorder without realizing it.

Health professionals around the country are doing everything they can to combat this epidemic. Mark Levy DDS has devoted his life to helping patients understand the disorder. He also is a leader in the field of treating this tragic disorder.

What Causes Sleep Apnea Deaths?

Sleep apnea deaths are often caused by the culmination of the effects of the disorder. People who suffer from OSA stop breathing frequently while asleep. These pauses typically last around ten seconds and are often caused when the airway becomes obstructed. When breathing stops so frequently throughout the night, blood oxygen levels decrease, the heart is put under additional stress, and the brain is impacted by the disruption of sleep. Together this results in fatigue, depression, moodiness, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and much more. It’s not the disorder itself that causes death, but the effects of the cessation of breathing. This disorder is like a time bomb for your body and mind.

So why does such a lethal disorder so underdiagnosed? The answer lies in the symptoms. Symptoms of OSA and many other sleep disorders are extremely common. Fatigue and snoring are the two most obvious symptoms of OSA. However, these symptoms do not necessarily mean a sleep apnea diagnosis. These two things can also be caused by a number of other issues. And many people don’t feel as though snoring and feeling tired throughout the day are an indication of a larger problem. They generally come to accept these symptoms as a way of life. This is why most people don’t suspect they have this serious disorder.

In most cases of OSA it’s actually the partner that notices the problem. Observation while asleep is the most effective way of diagnosing OSA and other sleep disorders. Doctors may use the 8-question STOP-BANG questionnaire to determine if there’s a need for a sleep study. However, it’s the sleep study itself that provides the information they need to diagnose patients with sleeping disorders.

Fighting Against Sleep Apnea Deaths

An accurate diagnosis and an effective treatment plan are the best tools for preventing sleep apnea deaths. In order to get an accurate diagnosis your doctor will have you undergo a sleep study. During this evaluation you’ll spend the night in a sleep center being monitored via sensors and wires. Unfortunately, this is often an expensive and inconvenient diagnostic process. In fact, many patients shy away from sleep studies for these reasons.

Research is working on developing other methods of diagnosis. The SomnaPatch may provide a user friendly alternative to a sleep study. The creators of this device are currently seeking FDA approval. However, until options like this are approved, the best option for accurate diagnosis is still a sleep study. While many people may try to avoid the actual sleep study, the results could be lifesaving. Patients with untreated sleep disorders are five times more likely to develop heart disease. They’re also four times more likely to suffer from sleep apnea deaths.

After getting diagnosed you’ll want to begin treatment as soon as possible. The general treatment for OSA is the use of a CPAP machine. This device provides continuous positive airway pressure to prevent the airway from collapsing or becoming obstructed. Airways can become obstructed for a number of reasons. Weight is a contributing factor to developing the disorder, as are genetics. This device will help keep the airway open for easy breathing. It does this by pumping a gentle current of air through a hose connected to a mask. The patient wears the mask as they sleep. Unfortunately, this very effective treatment method has a low compliance rate. About a third of patients stop using their CPAP at some point during their treatment. Nearly a fifth of patients stop using it within the first six months.

Alternative Treatment Options

While CPAP therapy greatly reduces the risk of developing heart disease and sleep apnea deaths, it is only effective if used properly. Fortunately, the low CPAP compliance rate has resulted in a variety of other treatment options.

Oral appliances are an option that are quickly becoming a favorite over the CPAP. These devices help many OSA patients by providing additional support to soft tissue in order to keep the airway open. These devices aren’t as universal as the CPAP, meaning this isn’t a viable treatment option for everyone. However, a consultation with a dentist trained in sleep disorder therapy can help you find out if this type of treatment will be beneficial for you.

When suffering from sleeping disorders the most important thing you can do to protect yourself is to seek diagnosis and treatment. Treatment is the best way to prevent sleep apnea deaths. Many people who suffer from OSA go on to lead long, healthy lives with proper treatment. Don’t gamble with your life; seek treatment for your sleeping disorder today.

Call Mark Levy DDS today at (614) 777-7350 for more information on what you can do to prevent sleep apnea deaths.