QUESTION: What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a serious disorder in which a person periodically experiences breathing stops during night rest due to the blockage of the airways. These pauses can last from a few seconds to a minute and repeat dozens of times a night, forcing the brain to trigger micro-awakenings each time to restore breathing, although the person themselves may not remember this.

The main symptoms of this condition are loud intermittent snoring, sudden awakenings with a feeling of lack of air or suffocation, as well as severe daytime sleepiness that persists even after a long sleep. Other signs include morning headaches, chronic fatigue, irritability, and concentration problems during the day.

Ignoring apnea carries huge health risks, including the development of arterial hypertension, an increased likelihood of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure, as well as the risk of falling asleep at the wheel due to constant fatigue. For an accurate diagnosis, doctors use polysomnography—a comprehensive sleep study in a specialized laboratory.

Modern treatments help effectively control this disease and restore the quality of life. As the main therapy, CPAP therapy is often used, which maintains a constant positive air pressure in the airways using a special device and mask. Additionally, weight loss, quitting smoking and alcohol, and sleeping on your side are recommended.