When someone hears of an elderly person dying in their sleep, it’s normally followed up with the comment ‘it’s a peaceful way to go’….yeah that is if you are old. But it’s not what you want if you have a lot of years in front of you, even if it is a peaceful way to go. Lurking in central Leeds is a silent killer that does just that though- sleep apnea. This condition cannot be picked up by doctors directly and apart from a few symptoms, you wouldn’t pick it up either, especially if you live alone. When you shut down to sleep, the vital organs kick-in to regulate your breathing: the brain will send signals to the lungs to keep breathing, which supplies oxygen to the heart and then back again- all three work together. However, throw an obstacle into the equation and over time, the system will fail and you could get to die in your sleep. This obstacle normally comes at the point that air goes into the body- the nose and mouth. If you snore, it could be a symptom, but if you are extremely fatigued during the day, it’s a sign that you are sleeping uncomfortably and that you need to turn your life around. A dentist can supply you with devices to help with your breathing and through a doctor, you can find out through a sleep therapy course the extent of the problem, but if you smoke and drink heavily, and are overweight, it is your lifestyle that also needs addressing in the end.
Tags: City of Leeds, silent killer, sleep apnea, Sleep apnea treatment City of Leeds
