There are two types of sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea (CSA). OSA is the most common and one of the primary reasons patients come to The Insomnia and Sleep Institute of Arizona. While it has long been known that all forms of sleep apnea are dangerous, a recent study at Penn State College of Medicine shows that those with OSA are two times more likely to experience “sudden death.” Additionally, researchers discovered that OSA drastically increases the risk of hypertension, congestive heart failure, and coronary artery disease.
Approximately one in 15 adults in the U.S. has OSA, and many go undiagnosed. The Insomnia and Sleep Institute has been dubbed the “Face of Sleep Medicine” in Arizona, where we are home to the “Top Doc” in the area as voted by his peers for six straight years. Here, you do not need a doctor’s referral and have access to incredible staffing levels such as a physician assistant with a Masters in Sleep, respiratory therapists, nurse practitioners trained in sleep medicine, and three sleep doctors. If you or someone in your family has OSA or you suspect OSA, it is critical to act right away. Consultations at The Insomnia and Sleep Institute are strictly with sleep specialists who can diagnose disorders and plan for testing and treatment.
The Dangers of OSA
The Penn State study included analysis of 42,000 patients around the globe. A systematic review of studies related to sleep apnea were gathered, with the latest studies published in 2020. The analysis revealed that those with OSA simply have double the risk of dying “suddenly,” whether from cardiovascular death or another cause. The researchers also found that this risk tends to get higher with age.
Those with sleep apnea have interrupted or shallow breathing that negatively affects their sleep. If left untreated, this condition can be life-threatening. Although future studies will be needed to best determine the ideal intervention needed, this systematic review highlights a pressing concern for millions of people. Plus, those with OSA also have oxidative stress, which means their cells aren’t getting all the oxygen needed. This can lead to an antioxidant imbalance and, in time, cell damage that accelerates the aging process.
Getting Control Over Your OSA
According to the co-author, “Obstructive sleep apnea is a common condition that can have fatal consequences. This is something that many patients do not consider when they are diagnosed with the condition, and our research will hopefully bring more attention to its prevention and treatment.” The authors stress both preventative measures (such as weight loss when applicable, as obesity can be a factor in OSA) as well as securing appropriate treatment. Ultimately, treating those with OSA is going to dramatically minimize poor health outcomes.
Although some continents were not included in the study, including Africa and Antarctica, the researchers agree that a study of 42,000 people from many countries is a good indicator of the reality of OSA on a worldwide scale. They do stress that future studies should make a point to be more inclusive of the neglected areas.
Options for OSA
The gold standard treatment for OSA is CPAP therapy, and at The Insomnia and Sleep Institute, we work with patients to determine the right technology and accessories to treat the disorder. Failure to correctly use the equipment and/or poor-fitting accessories are a leading cause for failed CPAP therapy. However, if CPAP simply does not work for some patients, they may be eligible for implants that help with sleep apnea.
Do you suspect you, your child, or your partner has OSA? The quicker you get a consultation with a sleep specialist who can diagnose disorders, the better off your health will be. A correct diagnosis is critical for future testing and treatment. All sleep disorders are either manageable or curable, and poor sleep can cause a host of issues that can range from behavior challenges in children to daytime fatigue. Connect with The Insomnia and Sleep Institute today to schedule your consultation by calling the office or filling out the online form.
