What is Sleepapnea? Treatments and Consequences

Sleep apnea is a condition where your breathing stops repeatedly during sleep and starts again. These pauses in breathing can last several seconds to minutes and may repeat several times per hour, causing your sleep to be disturbed. Here are the treatments and consequences of sleep apnea:

What is sleep apnea?

If you have sleep apnea, your breath will stop during your sleep for at least ten seconds. If such a respiratory arrest occurs 10 to 15 times per hour, we even speak of sleep apenia syndrome. During a sleepy nose you won't get air anymore, causing you to lack oxygen and the CO2 level in your blood rises. Your brain will give your body the signal to wake up. You usually do this unconsciously with a shock. The breathing recovers and you sleep in again.

Apnoea-Hypopnoea Index (AHI)

Everyone gets an apnea in their sleep, but that doesn't mean your health is in danger. If the number of apneas per hour (Apnea-Hypopnoea Index or AHI) is between 5 and 15, it is considered a mild form of sleep apneah. An AHI of 15-30 is an average sleep apnoia. With an AHI over 30 you have a severe apneo.

Causes of sleep apnea

Sleep apnea syndrome can have several causes, and each cause leads to a different form of apneas. We distinguish three types of sleep apnees:

1. Obstructive Slapapnoea Syndrome (OSAS): The most common form, especially in middle-aged men who are struggling with obesity. During sleep the tongue and/or soft tissue of the wall in the throat cavity can sink back, causing the pharynx to be partially closed.
2. Central Sleep apnea Syndrome (CSAS): The respiratory muscles do not get a signal from the brain to breathe. This apnea form is particularly common in young children or adults with cardiovascular disease.
3. Mixing form of OSAS and busses: A combination of oxygen deficiency due to the airway closure and at the same time no respiratory movements.

Effects of sleep apnea

1. Somnolence: Disturbed sleep makes you constantly tired and irritable during the day.
2. Cardiovascular diseases: The oxygen deficiency can lead to heart rhythm disorders, high blood pressure, heart attack or stroke.

Recognition of sleep apnea

Symptoms include tiredness when standing up, daytime sleepiness, palpitations, snoring, concentration and memory problems, and more.

Treatments against sleep apnea

1. Nasal mask (CPAP): A mask that constantly blows air into the nose and throat during sleep to prevent the throat from falling.
2. Mouth apparatus (MRA): A mouth bracket that keeps the lower jaw and tongue in place.
3. Operation: Surgical procedures to remove the cock, throat almonds and part of the lining of the throat, or to place the upper and lower jaw forward.

Importance of a good sleep system

Besides medical treatments, good support during sleep is essential. A too hard mattress can cause snoring and sleep apnea due to discomfort and incorrect sleeping postures.

Sleep apnea can be a serious condition that can affect your sleep and your health during the day. If you experience symptoms of sleep apnean, it is wise to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.