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Sleep apnea syndrome, which has been on the rise in recent years and is even called the national disease of the 21st century, is believed to affect more than 3 million people in Japan who require treatment. It is a type of sleep-disordered breathing, where breathing repeatedly stops or becomes shallow during sleep, interrupting sleep.
As a result, people don't get enough sleep, but they often only feel daytime sleepiness and fatigue, and are often unaware that their breathing stops or they wake up repeatedly during sleep.
It is said that patients with sleep apnea syndrome have a 2 to 4 times higher risk of life-threatening events such as myocardial infarction, cerebral hemorrhage, and cerebral infarction, and data also show that about 40% of people who leave it untreated die within about 8 years.
This time, in addition to explaining what sleep apnea syndrome is, we will introduce its causes and treatments.
Overview of Sleep Apnea Syndrome
During sleep, the body's muscles relax and lose tension, and the muscles around the airway and tongue do as well. At this time, the tongue can fall back and block the narrowed airway, causing apnea.
More specifically, snoring occurs when soft tissues vibrate as air passes through the narrowed airway, and when the airway is completely blocked, snoring stops. When apnea continues and oxygen levels drop, breathing efforts are made, leading to a state of arousal. This releases the airway obstruction, and breathing resumes, often accompanied by snoring again.
Snoring = Sleep Apnea Syndrome?
Thus, while there is a deep connection between snoring and sleep apnea syndrome, snoring does not always equal sleep apnea syndrome. Whether snoring is causing sleep disturbance can be measured using a pulse oximeter, a device that measures oxygen in the blood. If the snoring does not show a decrease in blood oxygen or if breathing does not stop, there is no major problem.
However, snoring, regardless, indicates a potential for sleep apnea syndrome and can also bother or worry family members sleeping nearby. Therefore, if a family member points it out, even if you don't feel it yourself, it's a good idea to set up a video or recording device and check once.
Causes and Treatment of Sleep Apnea Syndrome
Obesity is cited as a cause of sleep apnea syndrome, and indeed, it is said to be common in middle-aged and older men, but in Japan, it can be seen even in people who are not overweight, as well as in women and children. This is believed to be due to the Asian skeletal structure, where a small, recessed jaw makes the airway more prone to narrowing. Genetic predisposition is also said to be a contributing factor.
In addition, alcohol, sleeping pills, and respiratory allergies are also said to worsen sleep apnea.
For treatment, in mild cases, it can sometimes be treated by widening the airway using a mouthpiece. For moderate to severe cases, CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy is performed, which involves wearing an oxygen mask and sending air from the nose into the airway.
Other effective methods include losing weight, sleeping on your side, and avoiding alcohol and sleeping pills.
If you feel something is off, it is recommended to consult a doctor at a medical institution immediately. However, it is often difficult to notice on your own. If this applies to you, try checking for sleep apnea syndrome on the following website!
SAS Self-Diagnosis｜General Incorporated Foundation Transport and Traffic SAS Countermeasure Support Center
