Breathing breaks (apnea) during sleep may cause problems with controlling the breathing or occlusion of the airways during sleep. Of these, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is the most common. Obstructive sleep apnea is understood to mean that the airways are closed while sleeping.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) is a disease caused by the fact that the upper airways collapse completely or partially during sleep. Breathing resumes during a brief awakening. In the event of further sleep, the airways are closed again and new apnea occurs.
The apneas usually have a duration of 10-60 seconds. You can easily have more than 400 apneas per night.
The symptoms of sleep apnea
If you recognize some of the following symptoms, you may have sleep apnea.
When sleeping:
- Snoring loudly
- Pauses in breathing
- Lies restlessly
- Often go to the toilet
- Reduced sleep quality
and during the day:
- Constantly tired
- Falling unwanted into sleep
- Memory and concentration problems
- Has the feeling of never being rested
- Morning headaches
- High blood pressure
- Lack of sex desire / ability
How Frequent Are Sleep Apnea?
One of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea is snoring. Snoring occurs in 20% of the population, while only a minor part has obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep apnea can occur in both adults and children. The incidence of sleep apnea increases with age.
What causes sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea may be caused by:
- Overweight
- Localized changes in the upper airway, e.g. enlarged almonds and polyps.
- Narrowness of the nose or throat
- Diseases of the brain (eg stroke, in spinal cord injuries or diseases of the muscles such as muscular dystrophy).
- Reduced metabolism (myxodema) or overuse of anabolic steroids or growth hormone.
- Alcohol and sleeping medication can aggravate obstructive sleep apnea.
- Heart problems (poor pumping ability).
Treatment
A specially made ‘snoring-guard’ will likely be able to help you. During sleep the guard will ensure free passage in the airways.
