between Between 10% and 20% of adults have sleep apneaa disease so unknown that it’s almost 80% People with the disease go undiagnosed. What is sleep apnea? What are its symptoms and consequences? How to treat?
what is apnea
Sleep apnea includes respiratory arrest Among the patients are Fell asleep, without consciousness. Doctors explain that the flow of inspired air reaching the lungs is partially reduced (hypopnea) or completely reduced (apnea) Javier Albares, neurophysiologist and members spanish sleep association (SES).Mild apnea may not have any consequences, but hypoxia Severe cases (more than 30 sleep apnea episodes per hour) can bring about a range of health changes.For example, risk Hypertension, arrhythmia, cerebrovascular accident and low concentrations.In about half of the cases, also It can lead to daytime drowsiness, adds Dr. Albarez in his book, The Science of Good Sleep (Peninsula).
Snoring can be a warning sign
Tired during the day or snoring at night are some of them symptom Can warn of apnea. Dr. Albarez remembers that snoring “is not normal” even though 40 percent of adults do it. Sometimes snoring is related to anatomical factors (large tongue or lower muscle tone). In other cases, it can be solved by losing weight or changing your position (stop lying on your back). Snoring may also be related to the use of alcohol, tobacco, or benzodiazepines (drugs that reduce anxiety). The medical community estimates that sleeping next to someone who snores heavily can cause up to 25% hearing loss.
Snoring sometimes does not occur alone but is accompanied by a cessation of breathing: apnea. When apnea occurs along with symptoms like sleepiness, irritability, lack of libido, or patchy sleep, we may be dealing with a condition: obstructive sleep apnea. Albarez explained that 10 to 20 percent of the population suffers from the disease, warning of a “scary” fact: 80% undiagnosed And not getting enough treatment.
Pseudoscience is worthless
put one humidifier in the room, and Shoulder strap Hold your chin or use tennis Sew into your pajamas so you’ll notice it and change your position when you roll over.These are all techniques passed down to stop snoring, but they they don’t work Absolutely for no reason. They have no scientific evidence.
Albarez encourages snorers See a professional health professional -this hospital sleep unit– For correct study and diagnosis Help combat snoring and find out if it’s just snoring or accompanied by apnea. Albarez recognized the long waiting lists in public health and called for faster diagnostics so “we invest in prevention.” Other very serious illnesses. Patients don’t always need to stay overnight in the hospital to have their sleep analyzed by experts using the most reliable diagnostic tests: polysomnography. There are some simpler tests you can do yourself at home.
Scientifically supported treatments
After diagnosis comes treatment.The most widely known is continuous positive pressure ventilation (continuous positive airway pressure).it’s known sleep machine Recommended for severe cases (30 apneas per hour) and moderate cases (15 to 30 apneas). As a device accompanying the mask, Adapting isn’t always easy Sleep with him. International statistics suggest that half of patients do not do this, but Albarez lowered this figure to 20 percent. To do this, he explains, you have to stand next to the patient, find the best-fitting mask and monitor it. “The specialist must accompany the patient and make him realize the importance of treatment. It can improve daily health and, most importantly, prevent the emergence of serious diseases. This alone is worth it”, insists the author of “The Science of Good Sleep,” recalling that apnea is associated with Increased risk of cardiovascular pathology, insulin resistance, and metabolic changes.
minimally invasive treatment
Before CPAP treatment, there are other less invasive treatments related to healthy habits.For example, to lose weight, do sports often, early dinner anyone Stop smoking and drinking. For people with healthy habits but suffering from apnea, there are other non-CPAP treatments that also have scientific evidence: Double tooth splintwhich is different from medications to combat bruxism (nighttime grinding and clenching of teeth), or myofunctional therapy. The latter involves strengthening the muscles of the mouth and pharynx and can be performed by a professional speech therapist. Doctors and communicators remember that there were mobile apps, such as Airway Gym, that patients could use to do exercises at home.