Sleep apnea: Do you have it without knowing?

Sleep apnea is a health issue that is much more common than you might think, and yet it is often under-diagnosed. Did you know that approximately 1 in 5 adults suffers from a mild form of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)? And that it even affects around 1 in 7 children! 

In Canada, more than 1 in 4 adults is at high risk of developing this condition, but surprisingly, many are not even aware of its effects or do not seek treatment. Yet its impact on health can be significant...
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What is sleep apnea?

There are several types of sleep apnea, of which obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common. This form is characterised by frequent pauses in breathing during the night, lasting between 10 and 30 seconds, and sometimes longer. These pauses, known as apneas, can occur dozens or even hundreds of times a night, causing considerable disruption to sleep and affecting quality of life.

There is also central apnea, which occurs when the brain does not signal breathing, mixed apnea, which combines central and obstructive apnea, and sleep hypoventilation syndrome, which is characterised by insufficient breathing during the day and night. This means that the person breathes less than is necessary to maintain normal levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood.
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The dangers of sleep apnea

Sleep apnea can have major consequences for cardiovascular health. Here are the main risks associated with sleep apnea:

• Repeated interruptions in breathing and lack of oxygen, which affect the heart and blood vessels.
  
  
• Increased risk of cardiovascular disorders, such as:
  
  • Heart arrhythmia
  • Atrial fibrillation
  • Heart failure
    
    
• In the short term: disturbance of heart rhythm.
  
  
• Long-term: increased risk of stroke and high blood pressure.
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Symptoms of sleep apnea 

The symptoms of sleep apnea are numerous and vary from person to person. Daytime fatigue is one of the most common signs, often accompanied by a drop in motivation and energy. People often feel exhausted in the morning, even after an apparently long night's sleep. This is due to the frequent interruptions to their deep sleep caused by respiratory arrest.

Other symptoms include:

• Loud snoring, which may disturb your bed partner.
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• Sore throat and headaches when waking up.
  
  
• Memory loss and difficulty concentrating.
  
  
• Night-time awakenings, often unconscious, caused by jerking, sudden movements or night sweats.
  
  
• Decreased sex drive: In men, sleep apnea can even lead to erectile dysfunction. In fact, almost 50% of men under 60 suffering from sleep apnea syndrome also suffer from erectile dysfunction. Women are also affected: a study has revealed that sleep apnea can have a significant impact on a woman's sexual desire.
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Psychological and cognitive consequences of sleep apnea 

Untreated sleep apnea can have severe repercussions on mental health. Cognitive disorders, such as difficulty concentrating, memory problems and difficulty making decisions, may appear. In addition, irritability, mood and alertness disorders are frequently observed.

In men, sleep apnea combined with comorbid insomnia significantly increases the risk of depression. Women are particularly vulnerable to sleep apnea during pregnancy and the menopause, when hormonal changes can worsen symptoms.
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Treatment options for sleep apnea

Although sleep apnea is a worrisome condition, there are a number of treatment options to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life:

1. CPAP machine: The most common method, using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, keeps the airways open during the night.
   
   
2. Weight loss: Weight loss can help reduce or even eliminate sleep apnea symptoms. That said, although sleep apnea is often associated with excess weight, it is important to note that people of all heights and weights can suffer from it.
   
   
3. Oral devices: These devices, such as the mandibular advancement prosthesis, are designed to hold the jaw in a position that helps prevent airway obstructions.
   
   
4. Changing sleeping position: For moderate cases of sleep apnea, sleeping on your side rather than on your back can halve the number of obstructions during the night.
   
   
5. Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be considered to correct physical obstructions of the airway.
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Sleep apnea can be controlled 

Contrary to what some people think, sleep apnea is not fatal. With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, it is entirely possible to manage and control the condition and return to a normal night-time and daily life. It's crucial to consult a specialist if you suspect sleep apnea symptoms, as proper treatment can significantly reduce the long-term health risks.
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Experts available to you

With the Bonjour-santé membership, members enjoy a range of complementary health services, including an exclusive discount on the services offered by the sleep professionals of our partner HALEO. These professionals offer, among other things, screening for sleep apnea and can direct you, if necessary, to the right resources for treatment.

Take charge of your sleep - and your health!