When sleep is disrupted, it affects the following day. And if this persists, it takes a toll on one’s health and quality of life. Therefore, sleeping well is essential for recovery and recharging. However, there are sleep disorders that aren’t always detected by the person sleeping. This is the case with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS), more commonly known as sleep apnea. According to theAmeli website, this syndrome affects nearly 4% of the population in France. Men are reportedly more likely to be affected than women, but there are other factors that increase the risk of developing the condition. What is sleep apnea, and what causes it?
Sleep apnea—what causes it?
When we talk about sleep apnea, we’re referring to micro-awakenings that occur throughout the night, of which the sleeper is often completely unaware. These micro-awakenings are caused by pauses in breathing that last an average of 5 to 30 seconds and occur at least 5 times per hour of sleep (sometimes more than 10 times, depending on the person).
The shorter the pause in breathing, the milder the sleep apnea; the closer it gets to 30 seconds, the more severe the sleep apnea is considered to be. How does it work? Affected sleepers experience airway obstructions during the night, which leads to difficulty breathing or increases the risk of complete pauses in breathing.
To compensate for this, the brain sends a signal that triggers a brief awakening and restores normal breathing. There are many causes of sleep apnea. This disorder falls under the category of dyssomnias (the other category is parasomnias).
That is, disorders that affect sleep quality. There are three categories of apnea that help identify their various causes:
- Obstructive sleep apnea, the most common type, accounting for 90% of cases. It is characterized by a lack of muscle tone in the throat, causing the muscles to relax. The main risk factor is obesity. In fact, fat around the pharynx can obstruct the passage of air. Men and older adults are also the most affected.
- Central sleep apnea, which is much rarer than the previous form, is no longer a problem related to purely physical functioning, but rather to a brain dysfunction. In fact, there is an interruption in the transmission of signals to the respiratory muscles during the night. This leads to the same consequences as obstructive sleep apnea and, therefore, to pauses in breathing.
- Mixed apnea: This involves a combination of the symptoms of the two previous forms of apnea. As noted at the beginning, sleep apnea—regardless of its form— is all too often unnoticed by the person affected. It is therefore important to be aware of the symptoms caused by a restless night’s sleep, which quickly become apparent.
How can you recognize the symptoms of sleep apnea?
The brief awakenings experienced by sleepers with sleep apnea generally go undetected but result in poor sleep quality. Because sleep is regularly interrupted, it is not restorative. And this quickly affects quality of life.
As for nighttime symptoms, snoring—especially if it’s loud—can be a sign of sleep apnea. But the two aren’t always linked. Without quality sleep, it’s impossible to get through the day with the energy needed to complete all your planned tasks and work without suffering the consequences. Thus, the most characteristic symptom is daytime sleepiness ( or hypersomnolence)—that is, a state of exhaustion throughout the day that is difficult to alleviate even with naps. Added to this are all the signs of fatigue, such as memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and decreased alertness.
Some irritability may also set in. Finally, this lack of daily sleep can affect libido. This debilitating condition therefore impacts every aspect of daily life. Over time, health complications may sometimes arise, such as cardiovascular diseases: high blood pressure or heart rhythm disorders. If in doubt, it is important to consult a specialist who will then conduct a polysomnography test. This is a study of sleep physiology.
If a person suffers from sleep apnea during an overnight hospital stay, this test will help identify any respiratory abnormalities. To restore quality sleep, it may be necessary to use a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. Other issues that disrupt your sleep—such as jaw clenching, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease—require a medical consultation.
What are the treatments for sleep apnea?
To treat mild forms of sleep apnea, you can take a few precautions by making lifestyle changes: Get regular exercise; Quit smoking; Avoid drinking alcohol in the evening; Sleep in a proper position
If you have advanced sleep apnea, you may want to consider using a mandibular advancement device. These devices are designed to prevent the tongue from falling back and blocking the airway by pushing the lower jaw forward. To ensure the device is perfectly suited to your needs, it must be custom-made and adjusted as necessary.
To ensure the device works as effectively as possible, we recommend having it checked by a specialist every 6 months. This device is provided by prescription and is therefore covered by Medicare or your health insurance plan, depending on the terms and conditions. If no treatment is working and your sleep apnea persists, we recommend that you consult a specialist.