6 misconceptions about sleep apnea

6 misconceptions about sleep apnea

Excessive fatigue often associated with drowsiness, waking headaches, severe shortness of breath, decreased libido, heavy nocturnal urination, memory problems, palpitations or even vagal discomfort must be reminiscent of sleep apnea, especially if you do not find any illness behind these symptoms. "In most cases, the management of apnea results in spectacular results," says Dr. Vincent Puel, cardiologist Pole Sleep Clinic Bel Air in Bordeaux.

Sleep apnea is more common in snorers.

TRUE : "Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA), which manifests as alternating jerky and noisy breaths and silence, is a breathing disorder found only in people who snore." It corresponds to a "collapse" of the airways "explains Dr. Nathalie Raymond, pulmonologist, Pole Sleep Clinic Bel Air in Bordeaux. "A big buzzer can make up to + 90 apneas per hour, resulting in an absolutely not restful sleep "continues the specialist.

This only concerns overweight people.

FALSE. This syndrome is present in all age groups, including children. Contrary to popular belief, a deviation of the nasal septum or polyps are not responsible. Between the nose and the trachea, the throat consists of 17 muscles. If they are not tonics, they collapse during the night and block the passage of air. The hormonal drop at menopause, responsible for a loss of muscle tone, is also a factor. An allergic rhinitis, for example, can also cause nasal obstruction, and breathing difficulties. In children, an operation of the tonsils and vegetations can solve the problem. It is true, however, that being overweight amplifies the phenomenon.

Sleep apnea has an impact on health.

TRUE. A disjointed sleep weakens the body. To begin with the heart. Repeated micro-awakenings increase blood pressure and gradually thicken the artery walls, increasing the risk of infarction. Sight is also affected with a higher risk of glaucoma because they induce high pressure on the optic nerve. They promote diabetes. "Experiments conducted in Grenoble on mice have shown that they increase inflammation of the adipose tissue. It releases cytokines that make cells insensitive to insulin, "says Dr. Raymond, which increases the risk of accidents due to sleep deficits that accumulate night after night, and they are also suspected of having an impact. harmful to Alzheimer's disease. "Sleep allows our small gray cells to regenerate. Apneas hinder these natural detox processes. Finally, they favor overweight, because they upset the secretion of ghrelin and leptin, involved in the regulation of energy metabolism "adds Dr Marc Sapenne, pulmonologist Pole Sleep Clinic Bel Air in Bordeaux and founder of the site https: // www.allianceapnees.org/.

They do not heal.

FALSE. There are many ways to treat them. Starting with CPAP devices (continuous positive pressure). Pressurized air, sent via a mask connected by a pipe to a machine, makes it possible to restore a more fluid breathing and normally completely suppress the apneas.
Lingual physiotherapy involves practicing exercises to correct the position of the tongue. Indeed, if the base of the tongue is too far back, at the moment of sleep, it rocks and obstructs the throat. "It has been shown that good rehabilitation can reduce apnea by up to 50% and improve adherence to CPAP treatment," said Meryl Manoukian, a physiotherapist. It is possible to train with Boostertonic, a free coaching app.
There are also orthoses (gutters) that move the lower jaw forward.
Singing, sophrology, diving, toning throat muscles, improve airflow and can reduce apnea.

Children can not be paired.

FALSE. There is little talk, but some young children have apneas, but they are rarely diagnosed. "But children respond very well to treatment with CPAP.This is a transient treatment that will lead to ENT and / or orthodontic.In my consultation, a child diagnosed with hyperactive, and with sleep disorders has found a normal rhythm, once treated by PPC "argues Dr Marc Sapenne, pulmonologist Pole Sleep Clinic Bel Air in Bordeaux.

CPAP machines are bulky and prevent sleep.

FALSE AND TRUE. No more "scuba mask" and bulky device. Over the last decade, technology has made them evolve a lot. It is now more compact, much less noisy and most often digital and nomadic. When the mask, it comes in 4 formats: nasal (it covers the nose), naso-oral (it covers the nose and mouth) and nostril (the tips are positioned in the nostrils) and the mask with minimal contact (positioned just under the tip of the nose and the air circuit is positioned above the head). It is currently the least bulky on the market. Plus: it reads in bed and does not leave any red marks on the face (Philips Dream StationGO).
It is certain that it takes a little time to get used to sleeping connected to a machine. And between 10 and 15% of patients do not support the mask. But mostly, the benefits of a serene night without micro-alarms make them quickly forget the device.

6 misconceptions about sleep apnea