Unexpected death in sleep is an uncommon but deadly disorder also known as sudden unexpected nocturnal death syndrome (SUNDS), in which a person dies while sleeping for no apparent reason. However, various factors have been related to SUNDS and further research is needed to determine the precise etiology of the disorder.
WebMD reports that sleep apnea, in which a person's airway repeatedly becomes closed during sleep, is a leading cause of sudden unexpected death in the newborn. The heart may cease beating as a result of a lack of oxygen and an accumulation of carbon dioxide.
Arrhythmia, or an abnormal heart rhythm, is another potential cause of SUNDS. The irregular, rapid, or sluggish heartbeats caused by arrhythmias pose a serious health risk because they reduce the amount of oxygenated blood reaching the body's tissues and organs.
SUNDS may also be caused by other factors, such as:
Long QT syndrome is an electrical conduction condition that can be inherited.
Some pharmaceuticals
Abuse of drugs or alcohol
Diabetes and other metabolic problems
Extreme infections
The majority of people who die in their sleep are either elderly, have preexisting diseases like heart disease, or have a family history of sudden unexpected death in the sleep environment (SUNDS).
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, such as engaging in regular exercise, eating a balanced food, not smoking, and not drinking excessively, can reduce the risk of SUNDS. Get plenty of shut-eye, as not doing so has been shown to raise the likelihood of SUNDS.
Sleep apnea and other sleep disorders are serious enough that you should consult a doctor if you exhibit any of the telltale signs, such as loud snoring, gasping for air in your sleep, or daytime sleepiness. A sleep study can help your doctor examine your sleeping habits and suggest treatment options.
If you have a known cardiac issue, you should take your medicine as recommended and follow your doctor's advice for treating your condition.
Talking to your doctor about your risk and what you can do to lower it is important if you have a history of SUNDS in your family.
In conclusion, SUNDS is an extremely rare yet potentially devastating disorder that can affect anyone. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, getting medical care for sleep disorder symptoms, controlling any underlying health concerns as recommended by your doctor, and discussing a possible increased risk of SUNDS with your doctor will all help reduce your risk of developing the syndrome.
Content created and supplied by: CelebrityNews12 (via Opera News )
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