Obstructive Sleep Apnea (Sleep Apnea)

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the upper airways relax during sleep, reducing airflow, leading to a decrease in blood oxygen and/or cessation of breathing.

Most common causes
• Excess weight and obesity
• Thick neck circumference
• Anatomical problems leading to nasal congestion
• Enlargement of tonsils and adenoids
• Soft palate and uvula sagging
• Tongue root enlargement
Risk factors
• Alcohol and sedative drug use
• Smoking
• Genetic predisposition
• Male gender and advanced age

The symptoms of sleep apnea are evaluated in two groups as night and day symptoms.

Symptoms seen at night
• Severe and irregular snoring
• Cessation of breathing during sleep
• Waking up as if suffocating in sleep
• Breathing through the mouth
Symptoms seen during the day
• Morning headache
• Excessive sleepiness during the day
• Concentration disorder
• Forgetfulness
• Irritability and depressive mood

The diagnosis of sleep apnea is made after the patient’s history and a detailed ear, nose, and throat examination. The gold standard method in the diagnosis is polysomnography (Sleep test). During this test, respiration, oxygen level, heart rhythm and brain waves are evaluated during sleep. The test can be performed in a sleep laboratory or at home in suitable patients.

Untreated sleep apnea can cause serious and life-threatening risks.
• High blood pressure
• Cardiovascular diseases
• Cardiac arrhythmias
• Stroke (paralysis)
• Type 2 diabetes
• Depression and anxiety
• Increased risk of work and traffic accidents
• Weakening of the immune system

Treatment is planned according to the severity of the disease and the underlying causes.
Lifestyle changes
It is very effective in mild and moderate cases.
• Losing weight
• Gaining the habit of sleeping on your side
• Avoiding alcohol and sedatives
• Treatment of nasal congestion

CPAP Treatment
The CPAP device keeps the airway open by providing continuous pressurized air to the airways.
Benefits of CPAP:
• Improves sleep quality
• Reduces daytime fatigue
• Reduces the risk of heart disease

Intraoral appliances
In mild cases, special appliances that advance the lower jaw can be used.
Surgical treatments
Surgical options come into question in sleep apnea due to anatomical reasons:
• Tonsil and adenoid surgeries
• Soft palate and uvula surgery
• Tongue base surgery
• Septoplasty (nasal septum surgery)

Sleep apnea can be a chronic disease. However, with appropriate treatment, the symptoms can be largely controlled and the quality of life increases significantly.

No. Snoring is a common symptom, but not everyone who snores has sleep apnea.

Yes. It can also be seen in children, especially due to adenoid and tonsil enlargement.

It usually does not improve on its own and requires treatment.