Sleep apnea is a life-threatening condition that requires urgent treatment.

Sleep Apnea is a life-threatening but treatable disorder characterized by snoring and pauses in breathing during sleep, and it can lead to the development of many chronic diseases. It is more commonly seen in men, who are often overweight and have short necks; however, it can also occur in lean individuals and women. Its prevalence in the general population ranges between 3–5%. In children, it is frequently observed in those with enlarged adenoids or tonsils, or with anatomical abnormalities of the face and jaw.

What Are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea may present with many symptoms, including snoring, breathing pauses during sleep, daytime sleepiness, frequent nighttime urination, night sweats, waking up tired in the morning, difficulty concentrating, irritability, forgetfulness, anxiety disorders, depression, or work-related problems. Most individuals are often unaware that they have the condition. Hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular and neurological diseases are more common in these patients. Due to a weakened immune system, they are also more susceptible to infections. In addition, traffic and workplace accidents are frequent in individuals with sleep apnea.

What Is the Purpose of a Sleep Laboratory?

The definitive diagnosis of sleep apnea syndrome is made through a sleep laboratory evaluation. During overnight sleep studies, sleep stages, respiration, movements, and cardiac functions are monitored to establish the diagnosis.

Stages of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is classified as mild, moderate, or severe. During sleep studies, if the number of breathing pauses per hour is between 5–15, it is considered mild; 15–30 is moderate; and over 30 is classified as severe.

Treatment of Sleep Apnea

In children, removal of enlarged adenoids or other obstructive conditions in the airway can help widen the airway. In addition, device-based therapies keep the airway open and improve oxygenation, thereby contributing to the patient’s recovery.

If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to hypertension, heart failure, and even sudden death during sleep. Patients with hypertension or heart failure, in particular, require urgent treatment. Individuals with sleep apnea are generally unable to lose weight through diet alone; weight loss typically occurs after appropriate treatment. After treatment, patients may reduce or discontinue diabetes and blood pressure medications and experience weight loss. Because sleep apnea significantly affects the cardiovascular system and metabolism, its treatment should not be neglected. A holistic evaluation and management of patients is essential.