Untreated Sleep Apnea Outcomes Continue to be More and More Severe
Since shift workers are more likely to suffer from sleep disorders than day time workers, these workers and their family members, employers, insurance providers, and medical practitioners should be especially knowledgeable about the various types of sleep disorders. And, they should stay on top of new information that is released about chronic sleep issues that may impact them. Sleeping is fun – just think of all those wonderful dreams. Not dreaming, maybe you have a sleep disorder. Read here for information on sleep apnea. See other parts of our blog for insomnia, restless leg syndrome and other disorders.
Shift workers are more likely to have sleep apnea than day-time workers. It’s is estimated that upwards of 12-14 percent of shift workers have sleep apnea as compared to 2-4 percent of day workers. Sleep apnea, when left untreated, has been associated with an increased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, heart failure, and stroke. Other studies have also linked untreated sleep apnea with overweight and obesity, and diabetes. In addition, untreated sleep apnea contributes to excessive daytime sleepiness, which lowers performance at workplace and at school, and increases the risk of injuries and death from drowsy driving and other accidents. Shift workers are already at risk for many of these chronic conditions, and those with untreated sleep apnea are especially affected.
But, the impact of untreated sleep apnea is even more severe, according to a brand new study. Men between the ages of 40 and 70 with severe sleep apnea were twice as likely to die from the condition as men without the sleep disorder. The new findings provide the most concrete support that links sleep apnea with an increased risk of death. Sleep apnea occurs when a person’s upper airway is blocked, usually when the soft tissue in the rear of the throat collapses and closes during sleep. When the person can’t take in a breath, the brain briefly arouses them so they can resume breathing. Sleep apnea episodes can last as long as two minutes. They are almost always associated with a reduction in the level of oxygen in the blood. This breathing cycle may be repeated hundreds of times a night while the sufferer has no idea it is happening. As a result, sleep is extremely fragmented and of poor quality.
It’s estimated that more than 12 million American adults have obstructive sleep apnea. More than half of the people who have this condition are overweight. Sleep apnea is more common in men. According to the National Institute of Health, 1 out of 25 middle-aged men and 1 out of 50 middle-aged women have sleep apnea. And, sleep apnea becomes even more common at older ages. At least 1 out of 10 people over the age of 65 has sleep apnea. Women are much more likely to develop sleep apnea after menopause. African Americans, Hispanics, and Pacific Islanders are more likely to develop sleep apnea than Caucasians. Also, if someone in your family has sleep apnea, you’re more likely to develop it.
The new study, supported by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), included more than 6,000 men and women age 40 and older. Participants completed an at-home sleep test at the beginning of the study which determined they had no sleep apnea or had mild, moderate, or severe sleep apnea. After an average of eight years, participants who had severe sleep apnea at the start of the study were one and one-half times more likely to die from any cause, regardless of age, gender, race, or weight, whether they were a current or former smoker or if they had other medical conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, or diabetes.
Sleep apnea often goes undiagnosed. Doctors usually can’t detect the condition during routine office visits. Also, there are no blood tests for the condition. Most people who have sleep apnea don’t even know they have it because it only occurs during sleep. Treatments to restore regular breathing during sleep include lifestyle changes, mouthpieces, surgery, and breathing devices, such as those applying continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP. These treatments appear to reduce the severity of symptoms – loud snoring and excessive daytime sleepiness – so quality of life and performance are improved. Spouses, children, and friends concerned that their loved one may have sleep apnea should encourage them to talk with their physician about their symptoms.
Tags: chronic problems, health care prevention, heart disease, readiness for work, sleep apnea, sleep disorders
