We are starting to hear about sleep apnea more and more day by day. This problem, which is in the category of sleep disorders, is the second most observed disease of this category. Sleeplessness, called insomnia, is the most common sleep disorder, while sleep apnea ranks second. If we need to define sleep apnea, this disorder can be defined as the cessation of breathing during sleep. In sleep apnea, people experience stricture that lasts for a few seconds while they are sleeping. At the time of stricture, there is a serious decrease in the oxygen level in the blood and people wake up. Since the brain stops breathing, it immediately wakes the body by warning. The constant interruption of sleep reduces the quality of sleep and people cannot be successful in their business and social lives.

What Are The Reasons of Sleep Apnea?

It is possible to examine sleep apnea in two different types as central and occlusive. In central sleep apnea, the brain stops giving the command to breathe. This causes respiratory standstill. In occlusive sleep apnea, obstruction in the airways occurs due to sagging of the upper respiratory, soft palate, enlargement of the tonsils or excessive weight. In this case, people can not breathe even though the order of continuing breathing comes.

In addition to these conditions that reveal the sleep apnea problem in humans;

• Upper respiratory infections,
• Other sleep disorders,
• Substance dependence,
• Drug utilization,
• Problems such as enlarged adenoids can also cause sleep apnea.

What Are The Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?

The first of the symptoms of sleep apnea is the cessation of breathing during sleep. However, people do not realize that their breathing has stopped and they immediately wake up. When they wake up, they do not realize that they have woken up due to the cessation of breathing.

Other sleep apnea symptoms that occur in humans can be listed as;

• Headache,
• Daytime insomnia,
• Lack of concentration,
• Nervousness,
• Snoring,
• Memory problems,
• Cottonmouth,
• Pain in the throat,
• Cardiac arrhythmia,
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How Is Sleep Apnea Diagnosed?

Sleep apnea cannot be noticed by the person himself/herself. People who apply to doctors with complaints that are among the symptoms of sleep apnea are taken to sleep tests. The sleep of the person is observed with the sleep tests to be done and it is determined whether there is a sleep apnea problem, or not.

Tests start with electrodes connected to the body 1 hour before sleep. 4 hours of sleep is enough for the problem to occur. In some cases, doctors may request 6-7 hours of sleep.

How Is Sleep Apnea Treated?

In the treatment of sleep apnea, steps are taken according to the cause of the disease. Sleep apnea can be treated with an air machine called CPAP. In addition, the problem can be eliminated by making changes in the lifestyle of the person. If a problem in the jaw structure causes this, the problem will be eliminated with a surgical operation.