Impressive, isn’t it?

There are different types of sleep apnea. The most common is obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a disorder that involves cessation in nocturnal airflow with at least a ten-second pause in breathing activity, which can lead to a drop in blood oxygen levels. If your doctor diagnoses an abnormally high number of apnea/hypopnea per hour, treatment is highly recommended.

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) occurs when the muscles controlling the tongue, soft palate and pharyngeal walls relax during sleep. The airflow is restricted (hypopnea) or fully blocked (apnea). During each apnea episode, the brain emits a distress signal and the body wakes up briefly. This process allows the patient to breathe again. The patient is unaware of the micro awakenings caused by apnea, however their sleep quality is greatly deteriorated.

Patients suffering from sleep apnea often snore as the relaxed throat muscles vibrate on inspiration.

Am I apneic?

What symptoms are a warning sign?

• Excessive daytime sleepiness, lack of energy
• Witnessed nocturnal airflow interruption
• Frequent night-time waking, choking sensation
• Snoring
• Altered mood
• Concentration and memory disorders
• Headaches on waking
• Decreased libido
• Nocturia
• Night sweats
• Elevated morning blood pressure

What are the negative effects on my health?

• Excessive fatigue
• Increase in the risk of road or workplace accidents
• Cardiovascular diseases: hypertension, angina pectoris, arrhythmia, myocardial infarction, stroke
• Depression, anxiety
• Increased risk of glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, diabetes