Periodic disorders can be defined as conditions that are characterized by regular occurrences of specific symptoms. These symptoms can range from mild to severe and may affect different parts of the body.

Some of the most common periodic disorders include migraines, seizures, and sleep disorders like sleep apnea and insomnia. While these conditions may not appear to be life-threatening, they can increase the risk of premature death in some individuals. Here’s what you need to know about the hazard of premature death associated with periodic disorders.

Migraines and Premature Death

Migraines are one of the most common periodic disorders affecting millions of people worldwide. While migraines themselves are not life-threatening, they can increase the risk of certain health conditions that can lead to premature death.

For example, studies have found that people who suffer from migraines are at an increased risk of stroke and heart disease, both of which can be fatal. In fact, one study found that people who suffer from migraines with aura may have a four-fold increased risk of stroke.

Seizures and Premature Death

Seizures are another periodic disorder that can increase the risk of premature death. While most seizures are not life-threatening, some types of seizures can be fatal.

For example, status epilepticus is a type of seizure that lasts longer than five minutes and can lead to brain damage or death. Other seizure-related hazards include injury due to falls or accidents during a seizure, drowning, and sudden unexplained death in epilepsy (SUDEP).

Sleep Disorders and Premature Death

Sleep disorders like sleep apnea and insomnia are also periodic disorders that can increase the risk of premature death.

Sleep apnea is a condition in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, which can lead to a variety of health problems like high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Insomnia, on the other hand, is a sleep disorder that makes it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep, which can lead to chronic fatigue and other health problems.

The Link Between Periodic Disorders and Premature Death

The link between periodic disorders and premature death is not fully understood, but there are several theories.

One theory is that the stress and inflammation associated with periodic disorders can increase the risk of other health problems like heart disease and stroke. Another theory is that the medications used to treat these conditions can increase the risk of side effects that can be fatal.

Finally, there may be genetic factors that make some people more susceptible to both periodic disorders and other health problems.

Reducing the Hazard of Premature Death

The good news is that there are things you can do to reduce the hazard of premature death associated with periodic disorders. Here are some tips:.

Manage your symptoms: One of the most important things you can do is to manage your periodic disorder symptoms through lifestyle changes, medications, and other treatments. This can reduce stress, inflammation, and other factors that can increase the risk of premature death.
Get regular check-ups: It’s important to get regular check-ups with your doctor to monitor your health and identify any potential health problems early. This can help you get prompt treatment and reduce the risk of complications that can lead to premature death.
Adopt a healthy lifestyle: Eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol can all help reduce the risk of health problems that can lead to premature death.

Conclusion

Periodic disorders can increase the risk of premature death, but there are things you can do to reduce this hazard.

By managing your symptoms, getting regular check-ups, and adopting a healthy lifestyle, you can reduce your risk of health problems that can lead to premature death. If you have a periodic disorder, talk to your doctor about ways to reduce your risk and improve your overall health.