Will sleep apnoea kill you?

Sleep apnoea is a disorder in which the throat narrows or closes while the individual sleeps. In addition, many people with sleep apnoea suffer from morning headaches similar to migraines, which are simply the result of carbon dioxide build-up in the blood. According to the American Sleep Apnea Association, officials reported that sleep apnea and heart disease were major factors in Fisher's death. They say the findings support the current use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices to protect sleepers from airway closure due to sleep apnoea.

From finding out how to buy a mattress online, to suggesting which ones are good for different needs and body types, to breaking down the latest science behind technological and wellness advances, Sleep Advisor has you covered. A person with poor sleep apnoea can have problems with tiredness when driving, which can be deadly in itself. And just as the stigma of mental illness can prevent people from seeking help, the stigma of snoring is a factor that prevents women from being diagnosed and treated for sleep apnea. Although death is unlikely to be simply due to sleep apnoea, it is possible that sleep apnoea could kill you if you end up developing the life-threatening conditions mentioned above.

And unless you sleep in a room with someone else, it's virtually impossible to know if you snore or experience other symptoms while you sleep. Her brother, Todd Fisher, said in a statement: "If you want to know what killed her, that's it. It is not recommended to take sleeping pills or consume anything that works as a sedative, as this will further prevent the person from breathing properly. In some cases, a person may not even realise they are experiencing signs of sleep apnoea and may discover it through their partner.

Levels increased in those who had not used a CPAP device, and increased the most in the most severe cases of sleep apnoea. Many people experience some of these symptoms throughout their lives, but that does not mean they have sleep apnoea. The longer sleep apnoea goes undiagnosed and untreated, the greater the risk of heart attacks, strokes and diabetes. According to health experts, sleep apnoea itself is not fatal, but complications from sleep apnoea can lead to death, especially problems related to the cardiovascular system.