12 Serious Signs of Sleep Apnea That Can Happen While You Sleep

To wake up abruptly during night and find yourself unable to breathe is an experience that is absolutely terrifying. However, for many people, this does not happen just once but on a continuous basis. This is where the trouble starts. Can sleep apnea be life-threatening? Yes, but not necessarily like the way you would think. These are some facts about sleep apnea. If you are not sure what sleep apnea really means, take a quick look at our guide on what sleep apnea is before diving deeper into the risks.

Can You Die From Sleep Apnea?

The answer is yes. Sleep apnea can have some risks, which can lead to fatalities. But this does not happen because of shortness of breath only one time, but because the continual reduction in oxygen levels produces pressure in the heart and brain.

What Happens During Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a form of sleep disorder that involves pauses in breathing when sleeping. You can think of your body stopping your respiratory processes temporarily, something that may happen repeatedly in a single day.

There are two types of sleep apnea – Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Central Sleep Apnea

In both cases of sleep apnea, the level of oxygen in the blood reduces, this causes the body to wake up for a short period of time to breathe again. Orthodontic treatment, such as Invisalign, focuses on straightening teeth; it can play an indirect role in ensuring that your jaw structure is good to support breathing in some patients.

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Concerned about your sleep apnea symptoms?

Meet with the Hello Ortho team for a complimentary airway & sleep consult and get a clear picture of what’s affecting your sleep and your health.

• Free airway & sleep consult • Transparent pricing (no surprises) • Personalized treatment options

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How Sleep Apnea Can Become Deadly

Sleep apnea will not cause immediate death. However, the health effects resulting from the disorder have been associated with a variety of fatal results.

1. Lack of Oxygen

Since there will be no oxygen during a certain period when the patient is not breathing, this is very crucial for several body parts, like the heart and brain.

2. Heart Problems and Sudden Cardiac Death

Due to the absence of oxygen and lack of sleep, there might be an abnormality in the rhythm of your heart, and this may possibly lead to heart attacks.

3. Strokes

Sleep apnea is highly related to high blood pressure, thus increasing the probability of strokes.

4. Accidents

Due to inadequate sleep, there is an increased tendency to have accidents.

12 Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

These signs may be shrugged off as “just bad sleep,” but there could be more:

• Snoring loudly and consistently

Not only loud, but also means you have a blocked air passage

• Breathing stops while you are asleep.

Usually noticed by the partner, it is very concerning in nature.

• Waking up with gasping breaths

As your body wakes itself up in order to breathe

• Being extremely sleepy during daytime hours

Nodding off at work, while driving, etc.

• Morning headaches

Because you are not getting enough oxygen while sleeping

• Trouble concentrating or remembering things

Lack of sleep impacts your brain function negatively.

• Irritable or having sudden mood changes

Because being tired affects your mood too

• Chest pain, heart palpitations, or an irregular heartbeat at night

A sign that repeated drops in oxygen are already putting strain on your heart

• High blood pressure that’s difficult to control

Sleep apnea is one of the most overlooked causes of resistant hypertension

• Frequent nighttime urination (nocturia)

Waking up repeatedly to use the bathroom can be linked to the way apnea disrupts your body’s hormone regulation during sleep

• Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat

Often caused by mouth breathing as your body fights to get enough air overnight

• Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet

Can signal that the heart is struggling to keep up with the extra strain sleep apnea places on it

Who Is Most at Risk?

There are some risk factors for complications:

• Obesity
• Age over 40 years 
• Smoke or consuming alcohol
• Heart disease or hypertension
• Untreated severe obstructive sleep apnea

The more risk factors present, the greater the risk becomes.

Can You Die From Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is not usually the cause of death. But those with undiagnosed sleep apnea are at greater risk of death due to complications related to their condition. The condition is also highly underdiagnosed; many don’t even realize they have it.

How Treatment Reduces the Risk

And here’s the good news: Sleep apnea is manageable, and managing it actually makes a significant impact.

• CPAP: This device makes sure your airway remains clear during sleep
• Oral devices: They help in adjusting the position of your jaw for better breathing
• Lifestyle adjustments: Losing weight, improving your sleep routine, and reducing alcohol intake

Most of our patients report feeling more energized, focused, and healthy after just a few weeks into their sleep apnea management. Despite the fact that Invisalign does not affect apnea, the correct alignment of teeth and jaws allows for an optimal air flow. In some cases, orthodontic treatment using Invisalign becomes necessary in order to correct the airway problems.

At Hello Ortho, many of our patients initially visit us complaining about poor sleep, but upon further examination, we also see that their underlying airway issues or other factors may be causing these symptoms. Through proper diagnosis and consultation, these issues can be well-managed, even non-surgically. In some instances, the treatment of Invisalign is not only aimed at improving aesthetics, but it may also help improve mouth alignment that could contribute to proper airway function.

When Should You Visit Your Doctor?

Do not wait until the problem worsens. There is no harm in visiting your doctor when you have the following problems:

• Snoring that is loud, accompanied by daytime fatigue.
• Observation from someone else on you stopping breathing while sleeping
• You awaken yourself due to gasping or choking.
• Difficulty staying alert in everyday activities

How Is Sleep Apnea Diagnosed?

The diagnosis will involve an examination at a sleep laboratory (comprehensive tests) or at home (convenient for most patients). The doctor will examine the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI), which refers to the frequency of disruptions in breathing per hour.

Quick Risk Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you die from sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea rarely causes death directly during sleep, but untreated sleep apnea significantly raises the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular events that can be fatal. The danger comes from repeated drops in oxygen and the long-term strain it puts on your heart and brain.

What are the warning signs of sleep apnea?

The most common warning signs include loud, consistent snoring; witnessed pauses in breathing during sleep; gasping or choking awake; excessive daytime sleepiness; morning headaches; trouble concentrating; irritability; chest pain or heart palpitations at night; high blood pressure; frequent nighttime urination; a dry mouth or sore throat upon waking; and swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet.

How do I know if my sleep apnea is dangerous?

Sleep apnea becomes more dangerous the longer it goes untreated and the more severe it is, especially in people with additional risk factors like obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, or age over 40. A sleep study measuring your Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) can determine severity.

Can sleep apnea cause a heart attack or stroke?

Yes. Repeated drops in blood oxygen during sleep apnea episodes can trigger irregular heart rhythms, raise blood pressure, and strain the cardiovascular system, all of which increase the risk of heart attack and stroke over time.

When should I see a doctor about sleep apnea?

You should see a doctor if you snore loudly and experience daytime fatigue, if a partner notices you stop breathing during sleep, if you wake up gasping or choking, or if you have ongoing trouble staying alert during the day.

How is sleep apnea diagnosed?

Sleep apnea is diagnosed through a sleep study, either in a sleep lab or at home, which measures how often your breathing is disrupted per hour (the Apnea-Hypopnea Index). Based on the results, your doctor can recommend the right treatment.

Napa & Petaluma Orthodontist

Think you might have sleep apnea?

Don’t wait for the warning signs to turn into a health crisis. Schedule a complimentary consult with the Hello Ortho team to find out if your airway or jaw alignment could be contributing to your symptoms.

• Free first visit • Transparent pricing (no surprises) • Personalized treatment options for better sleep

Napa Book an Appointment Petaluma

Prefer virtual? Schedule an online consult instead.

What Should Be Done Next

So, is death possible from sleep apnea? Yes, but not in a dramatic way you imagine it to be. Rather, it is the consequences of what this condition does to the heart, brain, and overall well-being that are dangerous. But do not fear, for this condition is treatable. Even though Invisalign cannot serve as a direct remedy for sleep apnea, it might still come in handy when the condition is caused by crooked teeth or a jaw alignment problem that causes obstruction of the airways.

It may help to be able to detect and understand what this means. As soon as any anomalies occur during your sleep pattern, keep them in mind. Not only will this improve your quality of sleep, but it will also improve your health in the long run.