Sleep apnea is a common disorder characterized by temporary cessation of breathing during sleep. This is often due to the relaxation and collapse of the soft tissues at the back of the throat, resulting in airway obstruction. As a result, individuals with sleep apnea experience disrupted sleep patterns, increased fatigue, and decreased oxygen levels in the bloodstream. When snoring escalates to the point of causing sleep apnea, the brain immediately responds by waking the individual to resume breathing, resulting in interrupted sleep and potential health consequences.
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What is Sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a serious condition characterized by pauses in breathing that last for 10 seconds or more during sleep. These pauses can lead to symptoms such as excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.
There are 3 main types of sleep apnea:
- Central sleep apnea (CSA) : It occurs when the brain fails to send the appropriate signals to the muscles that control breathing. This can result in repeated episodes of paused or shallow breathing during sleep.
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) : It is more common and is caused by the relaxation of the muscles in the throat, leading to the collapse or blockage of the airway during sleep. This can result in disrupted breathing patterns and decreased oxygen levels in the blood.
- Mixed apnea, which is a combination of both central and obstructive sleep apnea. It's essential to recognize and address the specific type of sleep apnea to provide appropriate treatment and management.
Causes of sleep apnea
You may be wondering: what are the causes of this disease? In fact, there are no real causes but rather factors that can contribute to the narrowing of the upper respiratory tract, causing sleep apnea. Among these, we find:
- Significant weight gain, especially around the neck,
- Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
- Use of medications that induce sleep (sedatives, or tranquilizers)
- Naturally narrow airway, enlarged tonsils or adenoids, or a thick neck circumference
- Family history of sleep apnea
- Nasal congestion
- Certain health issues like diabetes, heart failure, high blood pressure, neurological conditions (Parkinson's),hormonal imbalances (PCOS),strokes, and chronic lung diseases can increase your risk.
If you suspect you are suffering from sleep apnea, you should immediately contact your doctors, who will assess the symptoms. They may direct you to one of the hospitals or clinics of Turquie Santé that are dedicated to the study of sleep respiratory disorders.
Common symptoms of sleep apnea
Sleep apnea has symptoms such as:
- Loud and persistent snoring.
- Frequent interruptions in breathing, leading to fragmented sleep
- Headaches upon awakening
- Dry mouth and sore throat
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Difficulties with memory and concentration.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to seek medical advice for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Available treatments of sleep apnea in Turkey
In Turkey, sleep apnea can be treated through medical and/or surgical therapies.
Medical therapy: CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure)
CPAP is a highly effective treatment that uses a gentle, constant flow of air delivered through a mask. This pressure keeps your airways open during sleep, preventing snoring and apneas. The mask itself might feel unusual at first, but most people adjust quickly with a little practice. The success of CPAP is evaluated through a sleep study (polysomnography) which will show a significant reduction or elimination of sleep apneas. If you adapt well to CPAP, it can be a long-term solution for restful sleep.
Surgical therapy
Surgery may be considered if you have anatomical problems in your upper airway that contribute to sleep apnea. The surgeon will target these specific areas with minimally invasive techniques like lasers, ultrasonic scalpels, or radiofrequency. While surgery can be helpful, it often works best when combined with other treatments like weight management and lifestyle changes.
Lifestyle changes for better sleep
Here are some simple lifestyle changes that can significantly improve your sleep apnea symptoms, and may even eliminate the need for surgery in some cases:
- Weight Loss: Even a moderate amount of weight loss can open up your airways and improve breathing.
- Smoking Cessation: Smoking irritates your airway and worsens sleep apnea. Quitting smoking is crucial for overall health and better sleep.
- Limiting Alcohol: Alcohol acts as a muscle relaxant, which can worsen airway collapse during sleep.
- Avoiding sleep medications: Certain medications can cause drowsiness and worsen sleep apnea. Talk to your doctor about alternative options.
- Sleeping position: Avoiding sleeping on your back can help keep your airway open.
By working with your doctor in Turkey, you can find the most effective treatment plan to manage your sleep apnea and achieve a good night's sleep.
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