Sleep Apnea: Why You Shouldn't Ignore It
Snoring, fatigue, drowsiness: what if it's serious?
Dr. Émile Garnier
Sleep Physician
In simple terms
Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome affects 4% of men and 2% of women. Untreated, it increases cardiovascular risk.
What you need to remember
- Consequences if untreated — to 7 times increased risk of road accidents
- Diagnosis — Polysomnography (or ventilatory polygraphy) records apneas during sleep.
- Treatments — CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure)**: a nightly nasal mask that keeps the airways open.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) is characterized by repeated breathing pauses during sleep, due to a collapse of the upper airways.
Symptoms
- Loud and irregular snoring
- Breathing pauses observed by partner
- Excessive daytime sleepiness (falling asleep at meetings, while driving)
- Nocturnal awakenings with a choking sensation
- Morning headaches
- Nocturia (getting up to urinate at night)
- Concentration and memory problems
Consequences if untreated
- 2 to 7 times increased risk of road accidents
- Treatment-resistant hypertension
- Atrial fibrillation
- Stroke
- Heart failure
- Depression
Diagnosis
Polysomnography (or ventilatory polygraphy) records apneas during sleep. The Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) defines severity:
- Mild: 5-15 events/hour
- Moderate: 15-30/hour
- Severe: > 30/hour
Treatments
- CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure): a nightly nasal mask that keeps the airways open. Reference treatment for moderate to severe forms.
- Mandibular advancement splint: an oral appliance that advances the lower jaw. Alternative for mild forms.
- Weight loss: reduces severity in 50% of cases
- Surgery: in certain specific anatomical situations
The words explained
Medical terms used above, in everyday language.
- Symptom
- A sign you can feel or see that something is wrong, like pain, tiredness or a rash.
- Diagnosis
- The moment a doctor identifies which illness is causing your symptoms.
- Blood pressure
- The force of blood pushing against your artery walls. Too high, over years, damages the heart and vessels.
When should you see a doctor?
- Your symptoms last more than a few weeks or keep coming back.
- They get worse quickly, or stop you doing everyday things.
- You notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding — seek urgent care.
- You already take medication and want to change anything about it.
This article explains general health information. It does not replace advice from your own doctor.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Sleep Apnea: Why You Shouldn't Ignore It?
- Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome affects 4% of men and 2% of women. Untreated, it increases cardiovascular risk.
- What are the main symptoms or signs of Sleep Apnea: Why You Shouldn't Ignore It?
- Common signs vary from person to person. The article above lists the symptoms to watch for, how they progress, and when they need medical attention.
- When should you see a doctor for Sleep Apnea: Why You Shouldn't Ignore It?
- See a doctor if symptoms last more than a few weeks, get worse quickly, stop you doing everyday things, or if you notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding.
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