Sleep apnea: what is it?

Tendency to snore, to feel tired in the morning? Be careful, you may suffer from sleep apnea! Understand everything about this syndrome which affects 4% of the population in France, its causes, its consequences and its treatments.

Why is your sleep disturbed?

There are various reasons that can affect sleep.

This could be medical conditions such as chronic pain that makes sleeping uncomfortable or taking medications that affect the sleep cycle and can lead to insomnia. Your psychological state or habits, such as stress or anxiety; irregular sleep patterns that disrupt the natural circadian rhythm or taking stimulants such as caffeine, nicotine or alcohol.

It can also be sleep disorders which represent a very broad category of problems that affect sleep for various reasons such as insomnia, restless legs syndrome, narcolepsy, and parasomnias (such as sleepwalking).

In particular, we will deal more specifically with one type of sleep disorder : sleep apnea , centered on respiratory interruptions.

Whatever your problem, it is essential to talk to your doctor and get follow-up!

So what is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a serious disorder characterized by intermittent pauses in breathing during sleep. These pauses can last from a few seconds to several minutes and occur frequently every hour. This results in reduced oxygen in the blood and causes frequent awakenings , often unconscious. Untreated sleep apnea can have significant repercussions , such as daytime sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, high blood pressure, and an increased risk of cardiovascular problems. It can significantly impair quality of life and general health.

What signs may indicate sleep apnea?

Symptoms

While sleeping

Loud and frequent snoring: Not all snoring necessarily means apnea.
Breathing pauses: Stops in breathing followed by noisy starts or gasps.
Frequent awakenings: Often unconscious, caused by breathing difficulties.
Restless sleep: Moving around frequently, turning and changing positions to try to breathe more easily.

During the day

Excessive fatigue: Feeling of never being well rested
Daytime sleepiness: Strong desire to sleep during the day.
Difficulty concentrating and memory problems.
Irritability and mood swings.
Morning headaches : Often due to lack of oxygen during the night.
Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking, caused by mouth breathing during sleep.

What are the different types of sleep apnea?

There are three main types:

• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) : The most common form, caused by blockage of the upper airway due to excessive relaxation of soft tissues.
• Central sleep apnea : Rarer, it occurs when the brain does not communicate properly with the muscles responsible for breathing.
• Complex apnea : A combination of the two previous forms.

The causes of sleep apnea vary depending on the type of apnea.

What could be the causes?

For Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) , it could be several factors such as:

• Overweight and obesity : Excess fatty tissue around the neck and throat can compress the airways.
• Airway Morphology : A wide tongue, large tonsils, narrow jaw or elongated uvula can restrict air passage.
• Age : With age, the muscles of the respiratory tract lose their tone, making it easier to relax during sleep.
• Genetic factors : The shape and structure of the airways can be inherited.
• Consumption of alcohol and sedatives : These substances relax the muscles of the airways, increasing the risk of obstruction.

For Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) this could be:

• Neurological conditions : Diseases that affect the brain, such as stroke or certain head injuries.
• Heart failure : Can disrupt breathing through changes in nerve signals.
• Use of certain medications : Some opioid pain relievers can reduce the brain's ability to regulate breathing.

Mixed apnea is a combination of both forms, with both obstructive and central causes.

These causes may contribute to the onset of sleep apnea, and understanding these origins can guide toward appropriate treatment.

What happens if sleep apnea is left untreated?

Failure to treat sleep apnea can lead to serious consequences for health and quality of life. First, chronic fatigue and daytime sleepiness result from interruptions in deep sleep, increasing the risk of accidents. The effects on cardiovascular health are significant, with an increased risk of hypertension , heart disease and stroke , due to repeated breathing interruptions.

On a mental level, lack of restful sleep leads to cognitive impairments such as memory and concentration problems, as well as increased irritability and risk of depression . The immune system is also weakened, making the body more vulnerable to infections, and hormonal disruptions can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and promote weight gain , thereby worsening apnea.

Finally, disturbed sleep and loud snoring often affect couples' lives, leading to relationship tensions. Apnea treatment is essential to avoid these complications and improve health and well-being in the long term.

What are the treatments for sleep apnea?

Treatments for sleep apnea vary depending on the type (obstructive, central or mixed) and severity.

For obstructive sleep apnea , options include lifestyle modifications (weight loss, changing sleeping position), oral appliances for mild to moderate cases, and CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) for more severe cases, which is very effective but sometimes uncomfortable. For some patients, surgery or airway stimulation may be considered.

Central apnea is often treated with specialized breathing therapies such as BiPAP, which adjusts breathing pressure. In some cases, treating underlying causes, such as heart or neurological problems, may help.

Mixed sleep apnea often requires a combination of CPAP and specialized breathing therapies to manage both the obstructive and central aspects.

Each treatment has its pros and cons, ranging from non-invasive solutions for mild cases to more complex devices or interventions for severe cases. Proper diagnosis is essential to choose the best option.

A simple and effective solution!

Do you know about Air Vital nasal patches?

Fight Apnea with Air Vital!

The nasal patch is one of the simplest solutions for mild and moderate forms of apnea since it does not require a prescription !

Simply place the magnetic nasal strip on your nose before going to bed and it will open up your nasal passages, making it easier to breathe while you sleep.

They are: WITHOUT SIDE EFFECTS - NOISE - NO PRESCRIPTION

Get a good night's sleep and better breathing. No more snoring!

The Air Vital solution

At Air Vital , we offer an innovative approach to help reduce nighttime breathing problems. Our solutions are designed to promote better airflow and minimize breathing interruptions.

Why Choose Air Vital?

• Improved Breathing : Our products help keep the airways open, reducing apnea episodes and optimizing sleep quality.
• Maximized Comfort : Designed to be discreet and comfortable to wear, our products do not disturb your sleep and adapt easily.
• Advanced Technology : Air Vital solutions are backed by extensive research to provide proven effectiveness against respiratory disorders.

Discover Air Vital magnetic nasal strips now!

Reviews from our users
"Since I started using Air Vital products, my sleep apnea problems have diminished and I wake up feeling rested every morning." - Julien M.

" Air Vital solutions have really changed my quality of sleep. I no longer wake up constantly during the night and I feel revitalized." - Sarah L.

Improve your sleep today with Air Vital .