Published on: 6/12/2025
How does sleep apnea affect life expectancy and overall health?
Sleep apnea can lower life expectancy and affect health by increasing the risk of other health problems, but treatment can help improve outcomes.
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.
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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