What is sleep apnoea?

Sleep apnoea is the stoppage of breathing for more than 10 seconds during sleep.

When is it considered as a disease?

When more than 10 apnoeas per hour occur.

What types of apnoea exist?

Obstructive apnoea, when the pharynx muscles collapse due to general muscle laxity during sleep. Central apnoea, when a temporary collapse of the breathing system occurs.

How can I understand that I suffer from sleep apnoea?

When more than one of the following symptoms occur frequently, and there is no pathological reason:

• Loud and irregular snoring
• Excessive fatigue & sleepiness during the day
• Morning headaches – low-grade fever
• Lack of concentration- memory loss
• Night perspiration
• Depression tendency
• Night enuresis

Is there high-risk groups?

• The 8-10% of general population and specifically the 24% of men and 9% of women of age between 30-65y.o suffer from sleep Apnoea.
• The 85% of obese persons suffer from sleep apnoea.
• The 26-42% of hypertensive patients suffer from sleep apnoea.
• The 50% of persons suffered cerebral attack show apnoea in sleep.

What are the consequences?

• Persons that do not follow a treatment while they show more than 20 apnoeas events per hour die in a 50% after 9 years.
• The risk of cerebral attack increases due to inadequate brain oxygenation.
• Cardiovascular complications occur in 33-72% due to excess heart strain during sleep.
• The risk of accident is increased due to sleepiness during driving.

How can I know that I suffer from apnoea in sleep?

Visit a Sleep Lab for a complete polysomia recording study.

If I suffer from sleep apnoea is there a cure?

The sleep apnoea can be cured with the use of CPAP appliances. The choice of a quality and modern device, following the treatment and the loss of weight can lead to impressive results.