Introduction
Whether it’s a spouse, a relative, a friend or even a sleeping stranger, who hasn’t been disturbed by the hoarse vibrations of snoring? Behind these unpleasant noises, however, can lie medical problems that can turn out to be very serious.
What is OSAHS?
OSAHS or Obstructive Sleep Apnea Hypopnea Syndrome, belongs to the large family of sleep-disordered breathing disorders. It is caused by a relaxation of the throat muscles, resulting in partial or total closure of the throat, which impedes the passage of air, leading to snoring. This phenomenon is a source of respiratory, cardiac, inflammatory and hormonal disorders. The disease is found in over 400 million people worldwide. There are no figures for Africa, as very few studies have been carried out on the subject. Nevertheless, it is estimated that a large proportion of the African population is affected, due to the frequency of symptoms and the long delay in consultation (10 to 15 years).
What are the Consequences?
Symptoms of OSAHS during the day are the result of non-restorative sleep: fatigue, headaches, drowsiness, irritability, difficulty concentrating, etc. In addition to these daytime symptoms, there may be nocturnal manifestations: snoring (around 90% of cases), a feeling of suffocation, repeated awakenings, frequent urination and profuse sweating. Because of the dysfunctions it causes in the body, OSAHS can lead to cancer and cardiovascular diseases (hypertension, rhythm disorders, heart failure, erectile dysfunction), cerebral disorders (strokes, depression, memory problems) and metabolic disorders (diabetes, obesity).
What Solutions can be Found?
In the event of any sleep disturbance that has an impact on daytime quality of life, the first step is to review your sleep hygiene, which include regular sleep and wake-up times, avoiding screens at bedtime, having regular physical activities, avoid taking stimulants (vitamin C, coffee, etc.) after 4pm, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, and avoiding self-medication (taking sleeping pills can aggravate certain sleep disorders such as OSAHS). Those around the sleeper can play an important role in the discovery of this disease, by paying attention to the occurrence of repeated breathing pauses of varying lengths. If the problem persists, and the above-mentioned signs are present, the patient should be referred to a specialist. The diagnosis of OSAHS is made following examination, and appropriate treatment is proposed. Treatment can range from the use of sleep masks to surgery.
Conclusion
Snoring is sometimes just the tip of a potentially fatal sleep disorder. However, not everyone who snores has OSAHS. It is therefore important to distinguish between what’s a disease and what’s just poor sleep hygiene. To do this, the people around you and the medical profession are of the utmost importance.
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