Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder. In the United States, approximately 6% of men and 2% of women suffer from sleep apnea, while the prevalence in Taiwan is estimated to be between 2-10%. It is estimated that over 400,000 people in Taiwan have sleep apnea syndrome. The primary cause of sleep apnea is the narrowing and collapse of the upper airway, which leads to a decrease in blood oxygen levels and an increase in chest pressure during sleep. This condition is often accompanied by various complications and may even lead to death, making it a serious issue that should not be ignored.

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder, and according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, the main characteristics of OSA include:

1.Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI): This is assessed based on the occurrence of more than five respiratory events per hour during sleep, accompanied by symptoms such as daytime sleepiness, loud snoring, observed episodes of breathing interruptions, or waking up due to gasping, choking, or suffocating during sleep. Alternatively, it can also be evaluated if more than 15 respiratory events occur per hour during sleep.

2.Decrease in Blood Oxygen Saturation: A drop in oxygen saturation below 90% during sleep may be considered abnormal.

3.Changes in Sleep Architecture: OSA may lead to changes in sleep structure, particularly a reduction in deep sleep and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep.

Complications of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA):

Obstructive Sleep Apnea may be accompanied by multiple complications, including gastroesophageal reflux, nocturia, morning headaches, daytime mental fog, excessive daytime sleepiness, and cognitive and memory decline. The excessive sleepiness caused by OSA differs from ordinary drowsiness in that it is the brain signaling the need to sleep, which often results in immediate sleep onset. As a result, the likelihood of traffic accidents and workplace incidents increases by up to 8 times.

Furthermore, individuals with OSA have nearly a 30% lower chance of survival over the next 18 years compared to the general population.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea may lead to various severe complications, some of which can pose significant threats to life and health. Common complications include:

1.Cardiovascular Diseases: Obstructive Sleep Apnea is closely associated with cardiovascular issues such as hypertension, arrhythmias, and heart disease. The repeated interruptions and restoration of oxygen supply during sleep can increase the burden on the cardiovascular system.
2.Diabetes: Some studies show that Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a risk factor for diabetes. This may be due to the disruption of oxygen supply during sleep, which leads to metabolic disturbances in the body.
3.Memory and Cognitive Decline: Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea may experience memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and cognitive decline, which can impact daily life and work efficiency.
4.Obesity: Research indicates that Obstructive Sleep Apnea can be a trigger for visceral fat obesity.
5.Gastroesophageal Reflux: When the airway is obstructed in Obstructive Sleep Apnea patients, negative pressure in the chest cavity often triggers acid reflux into the throat. Clinical experience suggests that gastroesophageal reflux and obstructive sleep apnea can exacerbate each other, increasing the severity of both conditions.

Impact of Obstructive Sleep Apnea on Life:

1.Daytime Fatigue and Sleepiness: Obstructive Sleep Apnea typically results in poor sleep quality, causing patients to feel fatigued and drowsy during the day. This fatigue not only affects their daily activities and work efficiency but also increases the risk of accidents, such as traffic incidents.
2.Mental Health Issues: Due to chronic sleep deprivation and daytime fatigue, Obstructive Sleep Apnea patients often face stress, anxiety, and depression. They may also experience slower learning when it comes to new tasks.
3.Intimate and Social Relationship Problems: Obstructive Sleep Apnea may cause patients to wake up at night due to breathing issues, potentially disrupting their partner's sleep. Long-term sleep problems can lead to marital conflicts and affect social activities and family relationships.

Life Threats from Obstructive Sleep Apnea:

1.Increased Long-Term Cardiovascular Risk: Obstructive Sleep Apnea is closely linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, heart disease, and stroke. The prolonged interruption of oxygen supply may place stress on the heart and vascular system, increasing the risk of developing these conditions.
2.High-Risk Occupations and Traffic Accidents: Due to daytime sleepiness and lack of attention caused by Obstructive Sleep Apnea, patients may experience an increased rate of accidents in high-risk occupations. Similarly, patients may also be at risk of traffic accidents due to fatigue when driving.
3.Sudden Death: Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea patients may experience periods of apnea during sleep, where they are unable to breathe. This sudden cessation of breathing, known as the most severe complication of Obstructive Sleep Apnea, can lead to death.

Currently, there are several treatment options for Obstructive Sleep Apnea, including non-invasive oral sleep appliances, positive airway pressure devices, and higher-risk surgical interventions. Patients can seek diagnosis and treatment from dental, pulmonary, or otolaryngology specialists. With the advancement of medical technology, early diagnosis and proactive treatment can have a significantly positive impact on improving patients' quality of life and promoting better sleep health.

Tags: