How to detect if you have sleep apnea? Its symptoms, causes, and available treatment options

Doctors and experts in Canada warn that sleep apnea has become one of the most common and serious sleep disorders, with estimates indicating that one in ten adults may suffer from it to varying degrees, often without their knowledge, exposing them to serious health complications if not treated in time.

This disorder occurs when breathing stops or slows down repeatedly during sleep, due to partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway, or as a result of a malfunction in the nerve signals that control the breathing process. This leads to oxygen deficiency and disruption of sleep stages, causing chronic fatigue and effects on memory, mood, and heart health.

Main signs and symptoms

Loud and frequent snoring, interrupted by sudden silence or choking sounds.
Frequent awakening with a feeling of choking or shortness of breath.
Excessive daytime sleepiness and difficulty concentrating or driving.
Morning headache and dry mouth after waking up.
Mood disorders including irritability, depression, and decline in mental performance.
Doctors confirm that ignoring these symptoms may lead to chronic complications, most notably: high blood pressure, heart diseases, strokes, and increased chances of developing type 2 diabetes.

Diagnosis and treatment

Experts emphasize that early diagnosis is usually done through a comprehensive sleep study (Polysomnography) in sleep laboratories or using specialized home devices, to determine the number and severity of apnea episodes per hour.

Treatment options include:
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device: the most effective method, as it keeps the airway open through a steady airflow.
Lifestyle modification: such as weight loss, avoiding alcohol and sedatives, and sleeping on one side instead of the back.
Oral appliances: help keep the lower jaw in a position that facilitates airflow.
Surgical intervention: for advanced cases or those suffering from airway deformities.
Sleep specialists confirm that appropriate treatment significantly improves quality of life, leading to deeper sleep, higher energy during the day, and a substantial reduction in the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Experts conclude with a warning that sleep apnea is a silent but deadly disorder in the long term, urging to consult a doctor as soon as symptoms appear and not to dismiss them as signs of temporary fatigue.