Sleep Apnea Syndrome (SAS) is defined as a complete cessation of breathing for at least 10 seconds, several dozens of times per hour. The mechanism of sleep apnea is the loosening of the pharyngeal muscles and blockage of the trachea. The resumption of breathing requires micro-arousals that disturb sleep. Sleep apnea is a sleep gulp of air confusion that is characterized by breathing pauses of 10 to 30 seconds or more, which can be repeated more than 10 times per hour. Anti snoring device is made for this
Types of sleep apnea
There are three type of sleep apnea, depending on the mechanism involved: obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA), central sleep apnea syndrome ( sleep apnea) and apnea syndrome. mixed sleep (or mixed apnea ).
Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA) sleep apnea hong kong is the most common form of sleep apnea. It affects 9 out of 10 people affected by this sleep disorder.
Obstructive sleep apnea is associated with narrowing of the pharynx, caused by loosening of the muscles, which prevents air from circulating normally.
When the obstruction is partial , the air passes again but with difficulties (we speak of hypopnea), giving rise to important snoring.
In case of total obstruction, the air cannot pass, causing an apnea. The heart then runs at full speed to provide the brain with oxygen from which it is deprived. In response, the latter induces a reflex contraction of the pharynx muscles to release the airways and allow the person to breathe again, which has the effect of causing micro-awakenings. If they are rarely felt, their consequences are real.
Symptoms and signs of sleep apnea
The victims of sleep apnea are usually the last to realize it! It is often their spouse, awakened by snoring, who then observes the breathing pauses. They are often associated with feelings of choking and restless sleep.
To these nocturnal symptoms are added diurnal signs suggestive, in front of which the diagnosis of sleep apnea must be sought:
When you wake up, you still feel tired, your mouth is dry and you often have headaches
During the day, you lack energy, you feel sleepy and irritable, and you have trouble concentrating,
Some patients also report a decline in their libido.
Risk factors for sleep apnea
Overweight, obesity, a family history of sleep apnea syndrome, and age are recognized risk factors for sleep apnea, particularly obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, in adults.
Children can also experience from sleep apnea
Children can also experience from sleep apnea if their airways are reduced by certain anatomical peculiarities such as a large tongue, a receding chin , a soft palate or even tonsils or bulky vegetation.
Finally, some situations are known to promote snoring and apnea, both in terms of frequency and duration: sleeping on the back, consume alcohol, take certain medications (sleeping pills, sedatives), have high blood pressure.