Studies show sleep apnea linked to increase risk of death, stroke

In a recent study conducted by members of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, sleep apnea appears to be a risk factor for death and stroke—especially among middle aged and elderly men. A similar study from the Yale University School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut shows that obstructive sleep apnea “decreases blood flow to the brain, elevates blood pressure within the brain and eventually harms the brain’s ability to modulate these changes and prevent damage to itself”.

Sleep apnea may be dangerous

Sleep apnea, a disorder characterized with pauses in breathing during sleep, is found to cause recurring rises and falls in blood pressure and low oxygen levels. Having sleep apnea can greatly affect one’s lifestyle as it can lead to sleepiness and lethargy during daytime. Thus it also increases the risk of accidents, particularly when driving.

Symptoms

Individuals are asked to seek medical help if they experience loud snoring, tiredness after eight hours of sleep, and if their bed partners notice pauses in their breathing.