The sleep apnea life expectancy calculator is a designed to estimate the potential impact of sleep apnea on a person’s life expectancy in combination with other factors like current age, sex, lifestyle and where you live.
This calculator is designed to represent an estimate of the potential impact based on studies of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) – a significant medical condition associated with several health complications, which can indeed influence life expectancy. This calculator is not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional if you are concerned that you or a loved one is suffering from OSA.
Here are three scientific sources that discuss the impact of sleep apnea on life expectancy and its associated health risks:
- Young, T., Finn, L., Peppard, P. E., Szklo-Coxe, M., Austin, D., Nieto, F. J., … & Hla, K. M. (2008). Sleep disordered breathing and mortality: eighteen-year follow-up of the Wisconsin sleep cohort. Sleep, 31(8), 1071-1078.
- This study followed a cohort of individuals over 18 years and found that those with severe sleep apnea had three times the risk of dying compared to those without sleep apnea. The study concluded that untreated severe sleep apnea is associated with increased all-cause mortality.
- Punjabi, N. M. (2008). The epidemiology of adult obstructive sleep apnea. Proceedings of the American Thoracic Society, 5(2), 136-143.
- This review discusses the epidemiology of OSA. The study highlights that sleep apnea is not only a prevalent condition but also poses significant health risks. Those with untreated sleep apnea have a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, diabetes, and more, which can collectively influence life expectancy.
- Marshall, N. S., Wong, K. K., Liu, P. Y., Cullen, S. R., Knuiman, M. W., & Grunstein, R. R. (2008). Sleep apnea as an independent risk factor for all-cause mortality: the Busselton Health Study. Sleep, 31(8), 1079-1085.
- This research from the Busselton Health Study suggests that moderate to severe sleep apnea is associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality. The authors stressed the importance of recognizing and managing sleep apnea, considering the potential life-threatening complications.
It’s worth noting that while sleep apnea can influence life expectancy due to its associated risks, treatments such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy and lifestyle changes can mitigate many of these risks. If you or someone you know has concerns about sleep apnea, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional.
