Can sleep apnea cause sudden death?

1. Is obstructive sleep apnea associated with a higher risk of death?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common type of sleep apnea. Numerous studies have shown that people with OSA have a higher risk of all-cause mortality, meaning they are more likely to die from any cause than people without OSA. Untreated OSA has also been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality.

2. Complications of untreated obstructive sleep apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the upper airway becomes blocked by tissues in the mouth and throat. This airway obstruction can negatively affect health by increasing the risk of several complications.

Accidents: People with OSA often experience poorer sleep quality, leading to daytime sleepiness and reduced concentration, which can increase the risk of accidents. Drowsy driving is more common among people with OSA and may increase the likelihood of potentially fatal motor vehicle accidents.
Cardiovascular disease: The effects of OSA on the body are often evident in the cardiovascular system. For example, people with untreated OSA are more likely to develop abnormal heart rhythms, high blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes, heart disease, and pulmonary hypertension.
Type 2 diabetes: OSA can disrupt the body’s regulation of blood glucose, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes, a condition that can lead to various other health problems.
Postoperative complications: People with OSA are more likely to experience adverse postoperative outcomes, including potentially life-threatening complications.
Liver disease: The prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is three times higher among people with OSA. Although it does not always lead to complications, this condition can cause liver damage, liver cancer, and eventually liver failure.

3. Can you die in your sleep from obstructive sleep apnea?

Although uncommon, death during sleep due to untreated obstructive sleep apnea is possible. Observational studies have found that OSA increases the risk of sudden death. This risk is thought to be higher in older adults, people with severe disease, and those with severe OSA.

Most breathing pauses caused by obstructive sleep apnea are temporary. When changes in breathing cause oxygen levels to fall, a person partially awakens to resume breathing. However, rare reports describe deaths in which individuals were unable to resume breathing adequately.

Untreated OSA can also interfere with the normal functioning of the cardiovascular and nervous systems. This may cause abnormal heart rhythms and other problems that can lead to sudden cardiac death.

4. Can treatment reduce the complications of obstructive sleep apnea?

Treatment can often eliminate or reduce the breathing and sleep disturbances associated with obstructive sleep apnea. Therefore, people who receive effective treatment for OSA may reduce their risk of complications and death associated with untreated OSA.

Doctors commonly prescribe continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy as the initial treatment for OSA. Consistent CPAP use has been associated with a substantial reduction in all-cause mortality.

To treat OSA effectively with CPAP therapy, regular use is important. In general, this means using CPAP for at least four hours per night on five or more nights per week. Doctors and sleep specialists can help people who have difficulty using CPAP by adjusting their treatment settings.

5. Central sleep apnea and the risk of death

Central sleep apnea (CSA) is much less common than OSA, and fewer studies have investigated its effects on mortality risk. CSA occurs when the brain and respiratory muscles fail to regulate breathing properly. It is often associated with underlying health conditions, such as heart failure, that may affect life expectancy.

Among people with heart failure, severe CSA has been associated with an increased risk of death. The risk of sudden death may be higher in people with severe CSA and heart failure because of the ways CSA can interfere with cardiovascular function.

For some people, treating the underlying cause of CSA may reduce or resolve breathing problems during sleep. Restoring normal breathing patterns may help improve sleep quality and reduce other symptoms and complications of CSA.

6. Signs that you may have sleep apnea

Recognizing the signs of sleep apnea can help people determine when to seek medical advice. Some of the most common signs and symptoms include:

Excessive daytime sleepiness, including falling asleep during activities when normally awake
Frequent, very loud snoring
Irregular breathing during sleep, including gasping or choking
Morning headaches
Waking up with a sore throat or dry mouth
Difficulty concentrating or remembering things during the day
Feeling unrefreshed despite sleeping for seven hours or more

Symptoms such as snoring and restless sleep occur while a person is asleep, so people with sleep apnea may be unaware of their nighttime breathing problems. They may learn about the problem only when a bed partner, roommate, or family member notices and informs them.

It is important to remember that sleep apnea cannot be diagnosed based on symptoms alone. These symptoms may also be caused by other health conditions, so diagnostic testing is necessary to determine whether sleep apnea is responsible.

7. When to seek medical advice

People who experience symptoms of sleep apnea, such as loud snoring, gasping during sleep, or excessive daytime sleepiness, should consult their primary care physician. The doctor can review their symptoms, sleep patterns, and overall health and recommend a sleep study if necessary.

People who have already been diagnosed with sleep apnea should consult their doctor or sleep specialist if they have difficulty following their treatment plan, experience unwanted treatment side effects, or find that treatment does not relieve their symptoms.

Although untreated sleep apnea is associated with potentially life-threatening complications, working with a healthcare professional and closely following treatment recommendations can help address many of these health risks.

The information above is for reference purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please contact your doctor for detailed medical consultation.