What is sleep apnea (OSA)

OSAHS, also known as apnea-hypopnea obstructive sleep breathing disorder that disrupts sleep. It causes brief interruptions of breathing and affects men more often.

How does it manifest?

A person with OSAHS experiences during his moments of sleep respiratory arrest lasting between 10 and 30 seconds, sometimes longer. Periods of apnea may be repeated dozens or hundreds of times per night.

What happens when you suffer from sleep apnea?

A person with sleep apnea (OSA or) through the following phases:

- Sleep and normal breathing;
- Hypopnea: the airway is partially blocked (loud humming);
- Apnea: the airway closes completely;
- Your brain can see that you do not breathe more: you wake up and suddenly you take a deep breath.

NB : The cycle can repeat itself all night.

What is sleep apnea is due?

OSA is caused by a collapse of the airways that may be due to:

- An airway blockage by the tongue or fatty tissue;
- Airway too narrow;
- A relaxation of throat muscles caused by sleeping pills.

What are the risks associated with sleep apnea?

In the long run, OSAHS can cause significant health problems, including cardiovascular disease.

Who is most at risk?

You're more likely to suffer from sleep apnea if you are a man and if you have:

- Problems of obesity;
- High blood pressure;
- Wide neck (greater than 40 cm in women and 43 men);
- Cases of sleep apnea (OSA) in your family;
- More than 40 years;
- Large tonsils.

Are there treatments?

For severe cases, recourse is generally to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP): the patient sleeps with a device that sends air into the airway.
In less severe cases, treatment of dental or surgical procedures (tonsillectomy and UPPP - Uvulo-palato-pharyngoplasty) may suffice.