NOISE OF SLEEPING Symptoms, cause, and therapy

 

Patients with sleep apnea experience frequent breathing pauses while sleeping. 

You can learn more about how the syndrome develops and what you can do about it here.

What is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)?

Sleep apnea (apnea = Greek for "windlessness," also known as "sleep apnea syndrome") is characterized by nighttime pauses in breathing. 

Heavy snoring is one of the most common symptoms. 

Usually, the patient is unaware of his or her sleep apnea; it is the partners who are aware of the individual breath interruptions, which last between ten and thirty seconds. 

Because sleep apnea can cause secondary problems like high blood pressure and, most importantly, makes individuals fatigued, it should be addressed.

definitely be treated, for example with a special breathing mask that is worn at night.

What are the dangers of sleep apnea syndrome?

Stopped breathing sets up an alert in the brain and throughout the body. As a result of this, the following occurs:

• The heart rate has risen.
• Blood pressure has risen.
• The vegetative nerve system (VNS) is triggered.
• Reduced efficiency
• Concentration problems
• Consistent exhaustion, which can lead to occasional drifting off. 
• This can be exceedingly dangerous in traffic, for example.

Obstructive and Central Sleep Apnea: Causes and Risk Factors

In medicine, there are two types of sleep apnea, each of which has its own set of symptoms and causes:

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a type of sleep apnea that
The more prevalent of the two types, obstructive sleep apnea, occurs when the upper airway collapses during sleep. The cause is a malfunction of the nerves that control/activate the muscles in the throat at night, as well as various inciting circumstances: the cause is a malfunction of the nerves that control/activate the muscles in the throat at night. Factors that elicit a reaction include:
Obesity is one of the risk factors for sleep apnea, which is prevalent among overweight people. Prof. Fietze notes, "Obesity causes snoring and breathing difficulties due to tiny fat deposits in the throat and increased neck girth, although it is rarely the primary cause."When the muscles in the throat relax, the base of the tongue relaxes as well. As a result, the tongue plays a critical role in momentarily blocking the airway in the supine posture.
Excessive muscular relaxation: Certain stimulants, such as pharmaceuticals, cigarettes, narcotics, or alcohol, might promote sleep apnea by increasing muscle relaxation.
Is it necessary for me to visit a sleep lab if I suspect sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea may typically be checked at home if it is suspected. The patient is given certain measuring instruments by the doctor for this reason, which record all information on breathing and pauses in breathing, pulse, blood oxygen content, and body position. Polygraphy is the term for this type of measurement, and it is frequently enough to make an initial diagnosis.

The doctor can also refer the patient to a sleep laboratory for a more thorough examination or to confirm the diagnosis of sleep apnea syndrome. This is where the so-called polysomnography is performed. The examinations are more thorough than those performed at home, but they are completely painless and do not interrupt most patients' sleep.

What is the best way to cure sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is usually treated individually, and depending on the type of apnea, several types of therapy can be employed. The following therapy options are available:

• Breathing mask: At night, the special breathing mask is worn. Using a device connected by a breathing tube, room air is blown into the nose (or nose and mouth) with the help of slight overpressure, and thus into the throat and lungs, preventing the upper airways from closing and thus preventing breathing disorders. In most cases, the patient learns how to properly utilize the mask in the sleep laboratory.
• Sleep in an elevated position: It's simpler to keep the tongue from slipping into the throat or fluid from flowing into the throat area if the upper body is somewhat elevated. This is also a possible treatment for mild sleep apnea.
• Bite splints: Specially designed bite splints can help prevent sleep apnea in mild and moderate cases.

Stimulants should be avoided. Alcohol and cigarettes are examples of typical stimulants.

How effective is surgery for obstructive sleep apnea?

According to Prof. Fietze, if sleep apnea is caused by anatomical factors, surgery may be considered. "Minimally intrusive surgery can be helpful if the tongue is low and the soft palate, particularly the uvula, is obstructing the airway. If the tonsils are also greatly swollen, it's a red flag." A tongue pacemaker can also be used to stimulate the nerve that controls the tongue muscles in some patients. At night, this keeps the airway open.