What is sleep apnea?

Many people in Germany suffer from sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) and are chronically ill. SAS does not usually subside on its own, but accompanies patients over their entire lives. It is now undisputed that this is a serious medical condition. Besides the distressing symptoms, it is primarily cardiovascular diseases that pose a risk to patients as a consequence of sleep apnea. In addition, there is a significant risk of accidents due to severe fatigue. Sleep apnea syndrome is no longer just a fashionable complaint.

The word “apnea” means cessation of breathing. Sleep apnea is a breathing pause during sleep and belongs to the group of sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBD). Apnea occurs when the affected person experiences at least ten breathing pauses per hour, each lasting at least 10 seconds. These breathing pauses can occur up to several hundred times per night and, in some cases, last longer than a minute. This can lead to serious health damage. Although sleep apnea is now a recognized condition, it is not immediately recognized by all doctors. Experts estimate that a large proportion of affected individuals remain undiagnosed and therefore untreated.

3 forms of sleep apnea.

Sleep-related breathing disorders are generally divided into two types: obstructive and central sleep apnea. But mixed forms can occur as well.

Obstructive sleep apnea.

In obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the breathing pauses are caused by obstructions (blockages of the airways). During sleep, the muscles of the body relax. As a result, parts of the upper airway can become completely blocked. Such a breathing disorder prevents the body from receiving enough oxygen. Additionally, the pulse and blood pressure drop, the brain’s respiratory center sounds the alarm, triggering a wake-up response. Affected individuals briefly wake up, usually without noticing it. The sleep rhythm is disrupted, the heart starts to beat faster, and blood pressure rises. This brief wake-up response is also referred to as an arousal.

Central sleep apnea.

Central sleep apnea is caused by a dysfunction of the brain’s respiratory center during sleep. There is a sudden cessation of activity in the diaphragm and the respiratory muscles. Due to the lack of respiratory drive, the body receives too little oxygen.

Mixed and complex sleep apnea.

In mixed apnea, affected individuals suffer from both obstructive and central apnea.

The symptoms of sleep apnea can develop gradually in a person’s daily life. However, they are only very rarely associated with poor sleep – even though the quality of life of those affected is often severely impaired.

People experiencing sleep disorders should consult their general practitioner first. There, it can be determined whether the symptoms correspond to those of a sleep-related breathing disorder. If this is the case, a referral to a sleep specialist will be issued. This can include, for example, a pulmonologist, internist, or ENT specialist. The subsequent diagnostics take place in several steps. As a rule, an initial examination called polygraphy is conducted, during which a small diagnostic device is taken home to be worn overnight for a preliminary assessment. The diagnostic device measures, among other things, breathing, heart rate, snoring sounds, and oxygen saturation during sleep. It also records which sleep position was adopted at what time and whether any breathing pauses occurred. If the results indicate sleep apnea, the patient is referred to a sleep laboratory. A comprehensive sleep study is conducted in the sleep laboratory. This so-called polysomnography enables the definitive diagnosis. Upon discharge, patients are informed about the treatment options for sleep apnea.