There are 3 different kinds of sleep apnea. Obstructive, central and mixed.
Obstructive Apnea occurs when there is a total or partial blockage of the air passage by the soft tissue at the back of the throat there by causing seizure of breathe. This mainly occurs with the elderly and obese individuals.
In the case of central apnea the brain is unable to fully control respiration and there are lapses in breathing during sleep. This seizure of breathe could occur for seconds at a time.
People with mixed sleep apnea simply suffer from both obstructive and central.
Can Sleep Apnea really cause Death?
In whichever case of this condition the brain and heart are deprived of oxygen and if this condition continues for a long time and the amount of oxygen drops very low and carbon dioxide increases. The brain needs oxygen to survive and when it lacks brain damage could set in or even death. The same goes with the heart, it could begin to swell and could lead to a heart attack and even death. Research shows that people who snore are very likely to develop sleep apnea overtime.
Also people who suffer from sleep apnea feel very tired during the day and have very slow reaction time. They cannot response quickly to things around them. This is a major cause of accidents, fires and accidental CO poisoning. Not all cases of this condition leads to death. With proper diagnosis and treatment such as c-pap machines it can be managed fully and many victims live long.
Sleep Apnea CauseWould you like to know more about sleep apnea causes and treatment? Check out my sleeping disorders website at http://www.sleeping-with-a-sleeping-disorder.com