Health The more serious extension of simple or occasional snoring issleep apnea, a condition present in an estimated six per cent of the Canadian population. It is more frequent in seniors and in men. This is a chronic health problem which worsens over time and can increase the risk of a number of serious conditions if left untreated. Many individuals do not realize that they suffer from sleep apnea and it is often a spouse or family member who notices that the individual not only snores, but has periods of breathing cessation ranging from 10 to 30 seconds at a time. These can occur hundreds of times during the night.The episodes are followed by sleep intervention such that the individual never gets a proper deep sleep. Early laboratory diagnosis and treatment are essential in reducing the risk of the serious conditions which can result if left untreated. Because of the daytime drowsiness, it is estimated that the risk of death in a traffic accident is six times greater than average. An increased risk of hypertension, stroke and heart disease is associated with untreated sleep apnea, although the exact cause is not established since many of the affected individuals are overweight, lack adequate physical activity and have other health issues. Hypertension alone is seen in 50% of those suffering from sleep apnea. There are three types of sleep apnea, but the major type is obstructive sleep apnea. Diagnosis is based on reported breathing interruptions or excessive drowsiness during the day. Upon reporting such symptoms to one’s doctor, a referral to a reputable sleep clinic physician is usually arranged. Confirmation of the disorder is made by a formal sleep study involving an overnight stay at a sleep centre, where sleep sensors are connected to various parts of the body to record the events. A less accurate form of the study allows the patient to attach sensors at home for measuring data overnight. Other devices are available, but are even less effective in diagnosing the condition. The first line of treatment is the recommendation of certain lifestyle changes as outlined in snoring advice. In milder cases, if these changes are ineffective, oral devices as described may be enough. Most cases, however, will require the use of a continuous positive pressure (CPAP) device, by far the most successful remedy. By the continuous forced streaming of air from the machine through a flexible tube andmask, the patient’s airway is kept open, preventing the collapse of tissues causing the obstruction. Compliance using the device is variable, withmany finding it too cumbersome, noisy or uncomfortable, but it is the most successful treatment at this time and has been proven to reduce the risk of the aforementioned complications, as well as the daytime drowsiness. Adjustments are made to regulate the amount of pressure to match the patient’s needs. The relief from snoring and daytime drowsiness is often very noticeable. Other forms of treatment are available, many of which are either less reliable or are associated with greater risk. Several surgical procedures are being performed, including nasal correction of the septumwhere obstruction occurs, dental and jaw surgery, as well as surgery to the soft palate at the back of the throat to improve the airway. Snoring can be a major issue if left untreated, especially for a partner. If the snoring progresses to sleep apnea, major complications can ensue. Try to adjust your lifestyle if you are a snorer and seek attention right away if either you or your partner suspect that you may have sleep apnea. Managing these conditions properly may improve your health, not to mention your spouse’s. 44 | www.snowbirds.org
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