Sleep apnea is the name given to the person experiencing the feeling of suffocation as a result of stopping breathing during sleep, which is the time when the body and brain rest. As breathing stops, the oxygen needed by the cells to function is significantly reduced. The brain suddenly warns the body to inform the body that breathing has stopped.
People with sleep apnea have their sleep interrupted more than once at night. They may wake up frequently during the night. Since it is a long-term chronic disease, it creates negative situations in the person such as fatigue, weakness, and sudden emotional changes.
What are the Causes of Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea syndrome, central nervous system. It can be examined under three different headings: central), obstructive (obstructive) and mixed, where both occur together.
In central sleep apnea, the breathing and exhaling mechanism of the brain cannot fulfill its function and breathing is impaired. It is caused by a problem originating from the brain.
In obstructive sleep apnea, tonsil enlargement restricting the upper respiratory tract, narrowing of the respiratory tract due to weight, and palate enlargement have been observed. Obstructive sleep apnea is more likely to occur in men than in women; However, in women who have entered menopause, the risk of occurrence increases due to changes in hormone levels, excess weight and genetic factors.
Sleep apnea syndrome is a very important disease that should not be taken lightly. The decrease in the oxygen level in the blood and the increase in the amount of carbon dioxide can cause great damage to the cells. Sleep apnea syndrome can trigger the formation of upper respiratory tract diseases. There are some situations that will trigger sleep apnea.
These situations are as follows;
Body Mass Index ratio is much higher than it should be
Being addicted to recreational or alcohol-containing substances
Enlargement of adenoids
Having another disease that will result in sleep disorders
Having an upper respiratory tract disease
Using medication
What are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?
People with sleep apnea syndrome sleep at night Even if they wake up several times during their sleep, they are not aware of it, When they wake up the next day, they do not even remember that they woke up during the night.
The symptoms that may be seen in people with sleep apnea problems are as follows:
Daytime sleepiness. mood
Experiencing a headache due to insomnia
Being in an angry, aggressive mood
Experiencing trouble focusing
Having difficulty remembering
p>Snoring
Experiencing heart rhythm disorder
Experiencing dry mouth
Increased blood pressure during the day
People who show these symptoms are: The symptoms should not be underestimated and should be examined by a specialist physician.
How is Sleep Apnea Detected?
People who experience insomnia for a long time should definitely see a specialist. should see a physician. First, your medical history is listened to, and then, if the doctor suspects sleep apnea, he requests a polysomnography test, known as a sleep test by the society.
The places where the polysomnography test is performed are called sleep laboratories. Thanks to developing technology, these tests can be performed at the patient's home upon request. In sleep laboratories, electrodes are placed in various parts of the body.
The reason for placing the electrodes is to observe when sleep apnea occurs, that is, when the brain stimulates the body. Electrodes are connected to the body one hour before sleep. Electrodes placed on the body have recording technology for 7-8 hours. However, 4 hours of sleep is usually sufficient to complete the test.
With the polysomnography test, it can be determined not only whether there is a sleep apnea problem, but also which type of sleep apnea it is. What is important in the polysomnography test is the number of hypoapneas and apneas. Hypoapnea is the name given to slow breathing. Apnea is the complete cessation of breathing. If the patient's breathing stops more than 5 times during the polysomnography test, the person can be diagnosed with sleep apnea.
Orthodontics for Sleep Apnea Syndrome
Although in some people with sleep apnea the solution is to lose weight with a healthy diet, combine sports with life, and use a high pillow, in some patients the cause of the disease is physiology. It originates from ik. If a person's lower jaw is not where it should be physiologically and is further back, it may cause sleep apnea. If the lower jaw is backwards, the lower jaw is moved forward with a personalized appliance prepared by orthodontists. This appliance is known as the 'orthodontic solution for the treatment of sleep apnea' as it is prepared in accordance with the mouth and dental structure of the patient and is generally prepared by orthodontists.
Sleep apnea syndrome is a condition that should not be taken lightly. is the problem. Cells that cannot be fed with enough oxygen may die. In people with age-related sleep apnea, death may occur in brain cells and heart cells. If the heart is not supplied with oxygen for a long time, the patient may have a heart attack.
Read: 0
