Severe sleep apnea increases risk of cancer, stroke and death by up to four times, according to a new study.
The severity of sleep apnea ups mortality risk, University of Sydney researchers found. People suffering from a severe case of sleep apnea are four times more likely to die from any cause, three times more likely to die from cancer, four times more likely to suffer a stroke and 2.5 times more likely to have cancer.
The study was conducted on 397 individuals who were part of the Busselton Health Study. With the help of a portable home sleep testing device, researchers gathered objective sleep data (OSA) of the participants in 1990. Researchers noted that 4.6 percent of the participants had moderate to severe OSA and 20.6 percent suffered from mild cases of the disorder. Over the 20-year study period, 125 people developed cancer, of which 39 died, 31 people had a stroke and 77 of the participants died of other causes.
Researchers noted that most of these people were from the 4.6 percent that reported moderate to severe OSA. Mild OSA didn't up any health risks, the researchers said.
"Obstructive sleep apnea is a chronic disease that can be destructive to your health," said American Academy of Sleep Medicine President, Dr. Safwan Badr, in a press statement. "People with symptoms of sleep apnea, such as loud and frequent snoring or silent pauses in breathing during sleep, should see a board certified sleep medicine physician for a comprehensive sleep evaluation."
Sleep apnea is a common sleeping disorder that disrupts sleep quality. It is characterized by one or more pauses in breathing or shallow breaths while sleeping. These pauses can last for a few seconds to a few minutes and can occur as frequently as 30 times an hour.
According to CDC estimates, 50-70 million U.S. adults suffer from sleep disorders, sleep apnea being the most common one. Risk factors include being male, overweight, and over the age of 40, but sleep apnea can strike anyone at any age, even children. If untreated, this sleep disorder can have serious consequences including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, automobile accidents caused by falling asleep at the wheel, diabetes, depression and other ailments.
Snoring while sleeping is one of the biggest symptoms of sleep apnea and a recent study found that women who snore during pregnancy are at a greater risk of having C-sections and giving birth to smaller babies.
The current study was funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council in Australia.
