SLEEP APNEA AND SNORING
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Sleep apnea and snoring are symptoms caused by breathing being affected while sleeping. snoring is usually more prominent in people with sleep apnea and the frequency of snoring can vary depending on the severity of sleep apnea.
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Snoring is usually caused by vibration of the soft palate, tongue or throat tissues. Snoring is a condition in which air is trapped by obstructions during sleep.
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Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts due to obstruction of the upper airway during sleep. It occurs because the airways are blocked (obstructive sleep apnea) or the brain does not control breathing correctly (central apnea).
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Sleep apnea is the inability to breathe for at least 10 seconds when the tongue root, soft palate or enlarged tonsils block the airway as a result of relaxation of the muscles in the upper respiratory tract.
Causes of Snoring?
During sleep, the muscle tone of the throat and soft palate decreases, which prevents these tissues from passing air freely and causes snoring. In addition, if there is nasal blockage, it can make breathing difficult and cause mouth breathing, which can lead to snoring. In addition, enlarged uvula, tongue root obstruction or adenoids can narrow the airway, and alcohol and some muscle relaxants can increase snoring by causing the throat muscles to relax.
Types of Sleep Apnea
Central Sleep Apnea: Occurs when the muscles that carry out the respiratory impulse do not send signals.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (Obstructive): It is a type of apnea that causes oxygen to enter the body less due to loss of function in the airway.
Mixed Sleep Apnea (Mixed): It is a type of apnea in which obstructive and central sleep apnea are seen together.
Effects of Sleep Apnea
Heart rhythm disorders, High blood pressure, Cerebrovascular occlusions, Stroke
Daytime sleepiness, Lack of attention and impaired concentration, Increased risk of work and traffic accidents
Benefits and Risks of Sleep Apnea Surgery
Sleep apnea surgery can alleviate or eliminate the symptoms of sleep apnea. This, the patient's sleep quality and overall well-being can improve. However, as with any surgical procedure, sleep apnea surgery has certain risks. These risks include bleeding, infection, complications related to anesthesia, and discomfort during the recovery process after surgery.
Effects of Snoring?
Snoring can negatively affect the quality of sleep of both the snorer and the people who sleep with him/her; it can lead to feeling unrested during sleep and daytime sleepiness; it can negatively affect the quality of sleep of the partner due to its loudness and lead to tensions in relationships; it can be a symptom of more serious sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, in which case medical intervention may be required.
Sleep Apnea Symptoms
Loud snoring, Sudden awakenings with panting during sleep, Waking up with dry mouth, Headache in the morning, Daytime sleepiness (hypersomnia), Stopping breathing during sleep, Irritability, Decreased libido, Difficulty concentrating, Feeling restless at night
Preventing and Treating Sleep Apnea
General health measures (weight control, reduction of smoking and alcohol consumption)
Treatment methods (CPAP, surgical intervention)
Improving sleep patterns
What is Sleep Apnea Surgery?
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Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP): In this procedure, some of the tissues in the soft palate and throat are removed or reshaped. This can help treat sleep apnea by reducing obstruction in the upper airway.
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Genioglosus Advancement: In this procedure, the lower jawbone is moved slightly forward. This opens the tongue root and surrounding tissues, widening the airway.
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Hyoid Suspension: In this procedure, the hyoid bone (a bone under the root of the tongue) is pulled upwards and stabilized. This can also help to open the airway.
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Uvulopalatal Flap: In this procedure, a flap of tissue is created over the soft palate and upper tongue and this flap is used to open the airway.
Methods to Reduce Snoring
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Sleeping flat on your back can increase snoring, so it is better to sleep on your side or stomach.
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You can use nasal decongestant sprays or nasal strips to relieve nasal congestion.
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Alcohol and smoking can increase snoring, so it is important to avoid them.
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Being overweight can increase snoring, so losing weight and exercising regularly can help reduce snoring.
Sleep Apnea Causes and Risk Factors
Overweight (obesity), Nasal blockage, Large tonsils or adenoids
Thick neck circumference, Old age, Gender (more common in men)
Genetic predisposition, Medical problems such as high blood pressure and diabetes, Alcohol use and smoking
What is Sleep Apnea Surgery?
Untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health problems, so surgical intervention may be necessary in some cases. Sleep apnea surgery usually aims to remove or reduce obstructions in the upper airway.
Sleep Apnea Surgery Candidates and Results
Sleep apnea surgery is usually considered for patients who do not respond or are not compliant with other treatments. The selection of surgical candidates is based on the patient's symptoms, medical history, physical examination and sleep test results. The recovery process after surgery can vary depending on the surgical procedure and the patient's overall health status. Some patients may see an immediate improvement in symptoms, while for others a full recovery may take longer.