Sleep Apnea

Information

Sleep apnea is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition. It is a disorder characterized by repeated episodes of breathing cessation during sleep as a result of collapse of the upper airways.

Risk factors:

• Male sex
• Overweight
• Over 40 years of age
• Neck circumference more than 41 cm in men and 38 cm in women
• Large tonsils, large tongue, and small jaw
• Family member with sleep apnea
• Nasal obstruction due to a deviated septum, allergies, or sinus problems

Obstructive sleep apnea:
Absence of airflow through the nose and mouth for at least 10 seconds.

The main symptoms of sleep apnea include:

• Loud snoring
• Increased daytime sleepiness
• Dozing off while watching television, during monotonous activities, and even while driving
• The sleeping partner observing breathing cessation during sleep
• Frequent awakening with choking or inability to catch breath
• Waking up with a very dry and sore throat
• Loud snoring
• Morning headaches
• Restless sleep
• Forgetfulness and decreased sexual desire

If left untreated, sleep apnea can contribute to the development of a large number of health problems such as:

• Depression
• High blood pressure
• Stroke
• Heart failure, arrhythmias, and heart attack
• Diabetes
• Worsening of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Furthermore, like almost every sleep disorder, sleep apnea causes daytime fatigue, sleepiness, low activity, mood changes, and more.

Treatment:
CPAP therapy is the most recommended and most effective treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea. CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure.
It provides a constant airflow that keeps the airways open, thus eliminating apnea episodes and snoring, and allowing the patient to enjoy restful sleep.

Successful CPAP users report improvements in:

• Sleep quality
• Quality of life
• Energy and motivation
• Mood
• Work capacity
• Sexual desire
• Attention while driving