Sleep Apnea

Quick answer

What is obstructive sleep apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea is a breathing disorder in which the upper airway partially or completely closes during sleep, repeatedly interrupting breathing. It is diagnosed by a physician following a sleep evaluation.

• Common signs: loud snoring, observed breathing pauses, waking unrested, daytime sleepiness.
• Diagnosis relies on a sleep test interpreted by a physician.
• Management approaches include CPAP, a mandibular advancement device and, in some cases, surgery.

Sleep Disorders

Why is it important to identify, detect, and treat disorders that can affect sleep?

Because anything that can affect the quality of sleep has the potential to impact your health. Furthermore, anything that can affect breathing during sleep can have an even greater impact. A respiratory disorder like sleep apnea is often very debilitating and can, in some extreme cases, lead to death.

Sleep Breathing Disorders

Sleep breathing disorders are relatively common in the general population. Sleep apnea is a frequent illness whose prevalence is underestimated.

Awakenings or micro-awakenings during the night, whether conscious or unconscious, will, over time, lead to clinical manifestations that will affect the health and quality of life of those afflicted by sleep disorders, which can have significant social consequences.

There are several types of sleep disorders, but those that affect breathing, namely sleep breathing disorders, are the most common and are unfortunately undiagnosed most of the time.

Symptoms

The main symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea are:

Fatigue and daytime sleepiness

Frequent and uncontrolled falling asleep

Snoring and breathing interruptions during sleep

Other signs and symptoms may include:

• high blood pressure;
• irritability;
• sensation of choking or suffocation at night;
• extreme fatigue;
• depression;
• difficulty concentrating;

• decline in academic performance (children);
• morning headaches;
• memory problems;
• erectile dysfunction (impotence)
• The severity of OSAH includes 2 elements: the severity of daytime sleepiness and that of nocturnal respiratory abnormalities.

Diagnosis

The best way to diagnose sleep apnea and other sleep disorders is with a test called a "polysomnography" (PSG). This test can be done in a "sleep lab," which is a clinic where you can spend the night. Some partial tests can be done using a portable device that the patient can use at home for home monitoring. This allows for the evaluation of oxygen levels, airflow in the nose and mouth, respiratory variations, and snoring.

Take a self-assessment test

Guide to Obstructive Sleep Apnea

An excellent guide published in October 2016 in collaboration with the Ordre des dentistes du Québec, the Collège des médecins du Québec, and the Ordre professionnel des inhalothérapeutes du Québec addresses several important questions related to the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This very comprehensive guide explains effective therapies and offers advice on healthy lifestyle and sleep habits. You will also find several valid sources of information.

To download the guide Obstructive Sleep Apnea – Information for the informed patient.

Download the guide