How does sleep apnea affect life expectancy and overall health?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Sleep apnea can reduce life expectancy by 12 to 15 years if left untreated, largely because it raises the risk of serious conditions like heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and depression. The good news: with proper diagnosis and treatment—such as CPAP therapy, lifestyle changes, or oral appliances—most people can significantly improve their health outcomes and restore a normal life expectancy.

If you're experiencing symptoms like loud snoring, daytime fatigue, morning headaches, or waking up gasping for air, don't wait to find answers. Understanding what's driving your symptoms is the critical first step toward protecting your long-term health. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to get personalized insights and clear guidance on what to do next—it only takes a few minutes and could add years to your life.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn if sleep apnea affects lifespan Discover likely causes of your sleep issues See if sleep apnea needs care today Find OTC options for sleep-related symptoms Find a sleep specialist near you Understand home remedies for sleep apnea Find out if sleep apnea is serious

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Explanation

Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing stops and starts during sleep. This can make people feel very tired during the day. Untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health problems like high blood pressure and heart disease. It can also lower someone's life expectancy

Health Problems: People with sleep apnea often have other health issues. These are called comorbidities. They can include heart problems, diabetes, and high blood pressure. These health problems can make sleep apnea worse and can also make it more dangerous.
Life Expectancy: Sleep apnea can lower life expectancy. This means people with untreated sleep apnea might not live as long as people without it. However, when people get the right treatment, like using a CPAP machine, it can help them live longer.
Importance of Treatment: Treating sleep apnea can help improve health and extend life. It can lower the risk of other health problems and help people feel better during the day. If you're experiencing symptoms like excessive daytime tiredness or interrupted sleep, you can check your symptoms with a free online assessment to better understand what might be happening.

Overall, sleep apnea is a serious condition, but with proper treatment, people can improve their health and life expectancy.

(References)

Chaouat A. (2003). [Mortality in treated sleep apnea syndrome]. Revue neurologique, 14646808.
Marrone O, Lo Bue A, Salvaggio A, Dardanoni G, & Insalaco G. (2013). Comorbidities and survival in obstructive sleep apnoea .... European journal of clinical investigation, 23106598.
Agrawal R, Sharafkhaneh A, Gottlieb DJ, Nowakowski S, & Razjouyan J. (2023). Mortality Patterns Associated with Central Sleep Apnea .... Annals of the American Thoracic Society, 36375082.

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