Sleep apnea and snoring
Sleep apnea is a breathing problem happenig at night due to abnormal occurrences of respiratory pauses. It is related to repetitive episodes of obstruction of the upper airways.
This reduction of the breathing lead to a lack of oxygene during the sleep. The brain reacts and the person wakes up to take a breath without beeing conscious. It is related to snoring.
In France, Sleep Apnea cocnerns 4 % of the population.
There are many consequences linked to Sleep Apnea on day to day lifeas : drowsiness, problems of memory and to stay focus, mood alteration. The risk of car accident is increased. In a long term period Sleep Apnea can lead to cardiovascular problems.
Contributing factors :
- Overweight and obesity
- Age : 30% of the population over 65 is regularly doing Sleep Apnea
- Gender : men are twice as concerned as women
- Nasal obstruction
- Genetic conditions of the jaw, the tongue
- Alcohol, tabacco can increase SLeep Apnea.
Diagnostic and treatment of Sleep Apnea
The diagostic is based on an exam called polysomnography that sudies your sleep during night thanks to electrodes. It is often realised ot hospital.
Then specialist doctor of Sleep Apnea confirms the diagnostic. In case of a light or moderate Sleep Apnea, the doctor will recommand to make an oral appliance done by your dentist. In severe cases continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) can be an option. Sometimes surgery is also required.