Every year, the third Friday in March is World Sleep Day. This 2021 is celebrated under the slogan “Regular sleep, healthy future” (Sleeping well).
We all know that getting a good night’s sleep and quality sleep is important. Getting a routine of physical exercise and eating properly improves our quality of life, good rest also contributes to maintaining a healthy life.
Breathing disorders during sleep
There are different diseases resulting from abnormal breathing while we sleep. According to the European Lung Foundation (ELF), the most common is sleep apnea.
What is sleep apnea?
People with sleep apnea stop breathing while they sleep. These people tend to be heavy snorers, although this is not the case in all cases.
Why does apnea happen?
Because by relaxing the muscles that are in the throat area, it makes an obstruction, that is, it clogs that area causing the air to not circulate normally. This sends a signal to the brain to wake up and breathe again, and therefore oxygenate your blood.
The quality of sleep in these patients is not adequate and for this reason people who suffer from sleep apnea are usually tired when they wake up, have drowsiness during the day, suffer from headaches or even lack of concentration. When night falls, they may have insomnia, wake up choking, or gasp in the middle of the night.
Who is more prone to apnea?
The people who are more predisposed to have this syndrome are men, more than women, people with obesity, or smokers. The intake of alcohol or tranquilizers increases the risk of apnea.
There are several types of apneas, but the most common is Obstructive Sleep Apnea OSA or OSAHS (Sleep Apnea-Hypopnea Syndrome). But it must be said that it is a problem that still needs more awareness on the part of citizens, among other reasons because many times an adequate diagnosis is not made or goes unnoticed.
Impact and social burden of breathing disorders during sleep
- In developed countries, sleep apnea affects 3-7% of middle-aged men and 2-5% of women
- Sleep apnea is associated with an increased risk of hypertension, along with heart disease, depression, and sleep-related accidents
- The chances of suffering a traffic accident are multiplied by 1.2-2 in people with untreated sleep apnea
- Prediagnosed sleep apnea is associated with healthcare costs per person between 50% and 100% higher than in the general population.
Source: ELF (European Lung Foundation)
Are you always tired or tired? Do you have any of the symptoms of apnea?
If you have doubts, we suggest that you discuss it with your doctor to treat and avoid the presence of apneas during sleep, which can lead to numerous complications, such as heart problems. Remember: Sleeping well improves your health.
Lovexair Foundation has professionals specially trained in respiratory health and rehabilitation.
Última actualización realizada el 9 April, 2021
