Systemic complications arising from sleep apnoea

Statistics and Systemic Complications for Sleep Apneics

Some Statistics

The average age of death of untreated sleep apneics is 55 years!
Sleep apneics have a 15% higher mortality rate than the general population.
There is an increased risk of elevated blood pressure (hypertension).
There is a greater incidence of cardiac arrhythmias and higher cholesterol.
Compared to the general population, people with OSA have a 23% greater chance of a heart attack.
There is a significantly greater chance of suffering a stroke (65-80% of stroke patients have OSA).
15% of OSA patients have diabetes compared to only 3% in the general population.
OSA is more prevalent than diabetes and asthma in our population.

Weight Gain

If you are not sleeping well, it is extremely difficult to lose weight since your body does not achieve stabilisation of the circulating hormones (leptin and gherlin) that regulate hunger.

In a recent series of The Biggest Loser in USA, all contestants had OSA.

Obesity is the dominant factor in 50% of cases of OSA

Other Complications Associated with OSA

OSA lowers the threshold to depression.
Menstrual irregularities
Impotence and decreased libido
Heartburn
Impaired concentration and learning difficulties
3 times more likely to have a car crash causing serious bodily harm
Irritability
Teeth grinding
Morning headaches

Sleepiness

A fantastic questionnaire developed by the Epworth Hospital in Melbourne is the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. It is a quick and simple guide to be used to grade your level of sleepiness.

Remember, the partner of a snorer will lose on average 90 mins (1.5 hours) of sleep per night!

Don't you (at least) owe the gift of sleep to your most loved one? (Snoring is a leading cause of divorce.)

Arrange an assessment for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea

Statistics and Systemic Complications for Sleep Apneics

Some Statistics

Weight Gain

Other Complications Associated with OSA

Sleepiness

Related topics