Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder which is common lately. Apnea is defined as the cessation of breathing during sleep. Insomnia, is the most common disorder in terms of sleep disorders. Also sleep apnea syndrome is right behind Insomnia.

It can cause temporary suffocation that lasts very briefly during sleep. During this suffocation, the oxygen level in the blood drops and the brain wakes up. The awakened brain allows the body to wake up. In order to communicate that the respiratory functions are interrupted. Individuals suffering from this syndrome have to wake up several times a night. This causes their sleep to be frequently interrupted and highly unproductive. Thus, the person feels tired all the time during the day. Because he cannot get enough sleep. Individuals who think that they get enough sleep at night. But still wake up tired might have a mild sleep apnea. They should see a doctor as soon as possible. For sleee apnea doctor, you can visit an ENT specialist.

Types of Sleep Apnea

This syndrome symptoms occurs to stop breathing in sleep. It is evaluated under three separate headings. These are Central, Obstructive and Complex (mixed) type, where these two are seen together.

1) Obstructive Sleep Apnea:

Obstructive sleep apnea, which the sleep disordered breathing, occurs due to factors obstructing the upper respiratory tract. Although this kind of severe obstructive sleep apnea is more common in men. It can also affect women during menopause. Obstructive sleep apnea treatment is also the most common.

2) Central Sleep Apnea:

Central apnea; It is a type that manifests when the brain has trouble sending appropriate signals to the muscles that control breathing. In this syndrome, the brain cannot command to breathe. Therefore, breathing stops due to the brain.

3) Complex Sleep Apnea:

This type is seen together with obstructive and central sleep apnea. In this type of mixed form; apnea while awake is also possible.

Causes of the Syndrome

It is more common in some people. These; who are overweight, snoring loudly, have hypertension, and have nose or throat disorders. However, the syndrome leads to low blood oxygen levels and high levels of carbon dioxide. All respiratory diseases that cause narrowing of the airways. The disease which affects from the nose to the mouth, can lead to sleeping disorders.

This syndrome, which may be associated with hypertension (high blood pressure), irregular heartbeat, heart attack, stroke or daytime sleepiness, may manifest itself due to other diseases that often develop in connection with sleep disorders. The exact cause of the syndrome is not yet known. However, we can list some of the conditions that can cause:

  1. Disturbances associated with any sleep disorder
  2. Diseases of the upper respiratory tract,
  3. Medication use,
  4. Substance abuse,
  5. Being overweight (obese)
  6. Enlargement of the nasal flesh.

What Are the Symptoms?

The most common symptom of sleep apnea is respiratory arrest while sleeping. Most individuals suffering from this syndrome do not realize that their breathing stops during sleep at night. As a matter of fact, when the body stops breathing, the brain allows you to wake up. However, those with this syndrome think that they just woke up. Other possible symptoms in individuals can be listed as follows:

  1. Headache,
  2. Being constantly angry
  3. Difficulty focusing and lack of concentration
  4. Memory problems,
  5. Snoring,
  6. Daytime insomnia,
  7. Sore throat,
  8. Dry mouth,
  9. High blood pressure (Hypertension)
  10. Heart rhythm disorder (Arrhythmia)

What are Sleep Apnea Diagnosis Methods?

In order to make a definitive diagnosis of sleep apnea, the doctor questions the patient’s complaints in detail first. Subsequently, he conducts a general examination accompanied by an ear, nose and throat examination. At this stage, the upper airways are thoroughly examined. With the help of radiological examinations such as MR and CT, the airways are displayed and the stenosis is evaluated.

Apart from these, if deemed necessary, the patient is admitted to the sleep center and a much more detailed evaluation is made here. Polysomnography (sleep test) test is also essential in order to make a definitive diagnosis of the disease. This sleep test is used to measure the time and number of breathing stops. In addition, it is possible to have information such as the percentage of oxygen in the blood, heart rhythm, and the intensity of the snoring sound, thanks to this test.

What are Sleep Apnea Treatment Options?

The method to be applied in the sleep apnea treatment process varies according to the type and depth of the disorder and the current state of the patient’s respiratory tract. It is to reach the sleep apnea cure.

The CPAP device, also known as an air machine, is one of the treatment methods used to treat this disorder. The patient is connected to this device and the patient is put on a mask. Then, compressed air is delivered to the patient to the extent determined by the doctor.

While the CPAP solution is running all night, the supplied compressed air prevents a closure that may occur in the airways. Thus, the patient does not suffer from respiratory arrest during sleep and the sleep pattern becomes much better than before. It is also recommended that people with this type of disorder. It makes changes in their lifestyle. These lifestyle changes are very important, especially for the reduction of snoring and the disappearance of the symptoms.

Changes such as quitting smoking and alcohol use, controlling your excess weight, exercising regularly, sleeping in the side position and not consuming heavy meals before going to sleep stand out as general recommendations that you can make in your lifestyle and help you in this process.

Do you have a specific question? Erdem Hospital is always ready to service you.

Frequently Asked Questions?

  • How do I get rid of sleep apnea?

Changes such as quitting smoking and alcohol use, controlling your excess weight, exercising regularly, sleeping in the side position and not consuming heavy meals before going to sleep stand out as general recommendations that you can make in your lifestyle and help you in this process.

  • Is sleep apnea serious?

If it is not treated, it is known that it can cause hypertension and heart diseases.

  • What is the main cause of sleep apnea?

Although the exact cause of the syndrome is not yet known. The most common cause, especially in the adults is known as obesity.