- Scientists studied untreated sleep apnea in laboratory animals.
- The study was done in a laboratory with mice.
- Oxygen dropped again and again during mouse sleep.
- Mice exposed to low oxygen died much earlier.
- Their hearts showed clear signs of early aging.
- Blood pressure increased and heart work worsened significantly.
- Blood vessels became less flexible and weaker.
- Researchers say this problem can shorten life.
- Early diagnosis and treatment are very important.
Difficult words
- apnea — a condition with pauses in breathing during sleepsleep apnea
- untreated — not given medical care or treatment
- oxygen — the gas animals and people need to breathe
- diagnosis — the process of finding what illness someone has
- vessel — a tube that carries blood in the bodyBlood vessels
- flexible — able to bend or change shape easily
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Have you ever had trouble sleeping?
- Would you see a doctor for sleep problems?
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