Synonyms in a broader sense
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome (OSAS), Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA), Obstructive Sleep-Disordered Breathing (OSBAS), Obstructive Snoring, Sleep Apnoea Syndrome (SAS – generic term) English. (obstructive) sleep apnea syndrome apnea: from the Greek: “respiratory arrest”; Say: “apnea”, not “apnoe” Spelling error: sleep apnea syndrome
Definition and symptoms
Apnea means cessation of breathing and is the main feature of sleep apnea syndrome: Sleep apnea syndrome is characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep that last for 10 seconds. These pauses in breathing cause an interruption of night sleep, sleep apnoea syndrome causes night sweats and pronounced fatigue, concentration disorders, performance slumps and depression during the day are possible symptoms of sleep apnoea syndrome. The fatigue and the tendency to fall asleep (microsleep) leads to an increased risk of accidents during the day.
Furthermore, the partners of patients with sleep apnoea syndrome may report loud snoring at night. Respiratory arrest is also frequently noticed by the patient’s partners. The patients themselves often report a dry mouth when waking up in the morning.
What is a (obstructive) sleep apnea syndrome?
The term sleep apnea refers to respiratory arrests occurring during normal night sleep, which have a disease value if they last at least 10 seconds and occur 10 times per hour, with a total sleep phase of at least 6 hours. In addition to the frequent and here further described obstructive form, in which the cause is a mechanical interruption of the respiratory gas flow through the nose or mouth (S. Respiration), there is also central sleep apnea, in which the cause lies in the central nervous system and which occurs rather rarely, e.g. as a result of Lyme disease. A mixed form from the two mentioned is also possible.
Warning signs of a sleep apnea syndrome
The affected person himself feels tired in the morning, possibly suffers from headaches or dizziness, and often has a dry mouth (see: Dizziness in the morning). Abnormal tiredness during the day is an important alarm sign, especially monotonous activities can cause microsleep (increased risk of accidents in road traffic!). In the long term, it leads to concentration and memory disorders, depressive moods, potency disorders (impotence, erectile dysfunction) and reduced performance. Increased sweating or the urge to urinate during the night can also indicate sleep apnea.
