Sleep apnea – A cunning companion

Although the disease name sounds very serious, symptoms are often overlooked and associated with completely different problems. Sleep apnea is a combination of symptoms that occur during day and night, such as constant feelings of exhaustion, morning headaches, memory gaps, confusion, and snoring. Recent studies have shown that untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health and life consequences. What causes breathing problems during sleep? How do you manage it to avoid health damage?

Deadly Obesity
Sleep apnea syndrome or SAS is defined as repeated episodes of upper airway blockage during sleep, leading to apnea and shallow breathing. Its occurrence increases with growing obesity problems in the population, which is one of the main risk factors for this disease. Approximately 80 percent of obese people suffer from SAS at the same time; 70 percent of them from a more severe form of the disease. It's no wonder that debilitating sleep apnea affects up to 18 million American adults, among whom obesity is a common problem. The accumulation of excess body fat around the neck particularly contributes to the development of the condition. This is no coincidence. Muscles that control the upper airways relax during sleep. The reduction in muscle activity causes a soft palate and tongue collapse, which in turn leads to airway narrowing. Some people begin to snore at this point. Breathing problems occur with excessive airway narrowing, with complete blockage leading to a brief pause in breathing, known as sleep apnea syndrome. In practice, a feeling of suffocation occurs, followed by waking and recovery of breathing activity. People suffering from this condition usually don't remember the apnea phases. Such breathing interruptions last several seconds and can occur hundreds of times during one night. It is clear that such situations have catastrophic consequences for the brain and the entire body.

Diagnosis and Treatment
The most common symptom reported by patients with nighttime breathing disorders is increased daytime sleepiness. In mild form, SAS manifests in everyday activities, such as watching television or reading. In extreme cases, patients with severe disease manifestations fall asleep while eating, talking, working, or even driving. There are also reports on the relationship between nighttime breathing disorders and frequently occurring depression and reduced libido. Fortunately, there are many strategies to treat sleep apnea syndrome, especially in non-critical cases, as well as to implement preventive measures. Reducing body weight and maintaining a healthy BMI are among common recommendations. Patients with SAS should also observe proper sleep hygiene. Due to gravity, it's recommended to sleep on your side, as apnea occurs significantly more often in supine position. To achieve proper sleep comfort, it's worth using weighted blankets. Thanks to their heavier filling (no feathers), they have a calming effect and anti-stress benefits. They can also improve breathing system functions. Alcohol before bedtime is not recommended, as it reduces the activity of the submental nerve and increases the occurrence and duration of apneas. Preventive measures also include quitting smoking. Typical sleep apnea therapy involves producing constant positive airway pressure using a special device (CPAP).

Sleep apnea syndrome is a condition that develops gradually and is often underestimated due to a wide range of symptoms and not taken seriously without an accurate diagnosis. Let us remember that early detection of sleep apnea syndrome and immediate initiation of therapy can prevent complications and deterioration of daily quality of life.