First, what is obstructive sleep apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, or OSA, is a more common health problem than you might think, affecting millions of people worldwide. According to INSERM, this pathology is characterized by repeated involuntary breathing pauses of 10 to 30 seconds during sleep, due to obstruction of the upper respiratory tract. (INSERM, 2017). These breaks occur at least 5 times an hour and affect around 4% of men, 2% of women, and at least 30% of people over 65. (CHUV, 2007). The typical profile of the sleep apnea sufferer is often an overweight male, who snores at night and suffers from severe daytime fatigue. OSA is also strongly associated with type II diabetes and metabolic syndrome..
While this condition may seem harmless at first glance, it clearly has serious consequences for health and everyday performance. In this article, we'll explore the devastating effects of obstructive sleep apnea on everyday health and performance, as well as the importance of a full medical diagnosis.
The health effects of obstructive sleep apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea can have a significant impact on an individual's overall health. According to the Fondation Sommeil au Québec, people with OSA have an increased risk of developing a number of health problems, including high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and obesity. In addition, frequent pauses in breathing during sleep lead to reduced oxygenation of the blood, which can overload the heart and raise blood pressure. Over time, this can lead to serious complications such as heart attacks, strokes and heart failure (Fondation Sommeil, 2023).
Sleep apnea can contribute to metabolic problems such as insulin resistance, which can lead to the development of type II diabetes, according to the Fédération des Diabétiques(FFD, 2023). People with OSA are also more likely to develop overweight or obesity due to hormonal changes associated with disrupted sleep. Obesity, in turn, aggravates sleep apnea, creating a vicious circle that can be difficult to break without appropriate medical treatment.
The effects of OSA on day-to-day performance
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In addition to health effects, obstructive sleep apnea can have a considerable impact on day-to-day performance. People with OSA often experience excessive daytime sleepiness, which can lead to problems of concentration and alertness. They may find it difficult to concentrate at work or school, and their productivity may suffer as a result (INSERM, 2017).
Beyond that, sleep apnea can disrupt sleep quality, leading to frequent awakenings during the night. This can lead to persistent fatigue, irritability and mood swings. Personal relationships can also be affected, as people with OSA can easily become irascible or depressed due to sleep deprivation and chronic fatigue.
As we found out in this article, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder with devastating consequences for health and everyday performance. People with OSA are at increased risk of serious health problems, including cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes and obesity. In addition, excessive daytime sleepiness and chronic fatigue resulting from sleep apnea can have a negative impact on daily performance and interpersonal relationships.
So it's vital to recognize the symptoms of OSA and consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. With proper treatment, it is possible to reduce health risks, improve sleep quality and restore overall performance and quality of life.
Please bear in mind that this article has been written for information purposes only and in no way replaces professional medical advice. If you think you may be suffering from obstructive sleep apnea, we recommend that you consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Our partner SleepMobile, specialized in home sleep studies, can help you detect this disorder. Its team of doctors, nurses and technicians specializing in complete polysomnography travels throughout the provinces of Liège, Hainaut, Namur, Brabant-Wallon and Brussels..
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