Sleep apnea is one of the most common respiratory disorders, characterized by the collapse of the upper airway during sleep. This causes constant oxygen deprivation on the one hand and repeated transient awakenings on the other, resulting in fragmented and non-refreshing rest.
Symptoms of sleep apnea
Snoring and respiratory arrest during sleep are confirmed by the patients’ partners and relatives. Pneumology specialists affirm that those affected by sleep apnea syndrome usually have a non-restorative sleep, report daytime sleepiness, frequently wake up at night sometimes with startling and in the mornings they wake up with a dry mouth and sometimes report headaches.
Who is affected by apnea?
It is a very common problem among the adult population, and is usually prevalent in 2% to 4% of the population. Middle-aged and preferably obese males are usually the most affected. However, postmenopausal women account for 12% to 35% of cases.
How is sleep apnea detected?
In patients with symptoms of sleep apnea should be practiced a sleep study, not only to confirm or not the diagnosis but also to assess the severity or intensity of the problem, The home respiratory polygraphy (simpler), has the advantage of being practiced in the patient’s home, which reproduces a “normal” night of him, with Polysomnography (more complex) the patient must be admitted to a specialized center, collects more information. In both cases the patient is connected to a machine that collects information on the patient’s sleep during the study.