» What is sleep apnea?

• This is a condition where the muscles in the throat relax while sleeping, causing the airway to narrow or become temporarily blocked. As a result, breathing stops for short periods throughout the night, which can happen dozens to hundreds of times per night.

» Common symptoms.

• Snoring loudly.
• Pauses in breathing during sleep (noticeable in people nearby)
• Waking up in the middle of the night or gasping for breath.
• Excessive daytime sleepiness.
• Morning headache.
• Decreased memory or concentration.

» Health effects (if left untreated, it may lead to)?

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Cardiovascular disease.
• Type 2 diabetes.
• Arrhythmia.
• Risk of falling asleep while driving or working.

» Who is at risk?

• People who are overweight or obese.
• Men (but postmenopausal women are also at risk)
• People with a thick neck or facial structure that narrows their airways
• People who drink alcohol or use sleeping pills.
• Smokers.

» Treatment and care?

• Change your behavior, such as losing weight, sleeping on your side, or avoiding alcohol.
• Use a CPAP ventilator.
• Airway restructuring surgery (in some cases)
• Use of an oral appliance.

For more details, please contact the Specialty Internal Medicine and ENT Center, Building 1, 2nd Floor, Tel. 0 2530 2556 ext. 1222, 1219.