What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a common, treatable sleep disorder. It can impact your daily energy, mental performance, and long term health. In some cases, it can even be fatal if left untreated.

When you have sleep apnea, the soft tissue in your airway collapses while you sleep. This can be caused by weak muscles in your airway, a large tongue, obesity, or other reasons. Your breathing can be interrupted hundreds of times per night, which causes you to snore, gasp, or even wake up.

About 10%

of the adult population in the world is suffering from sleep apnea
About 90% are not diagnosed

Young T, et al. Epidemiology of obstructive sleep apnea: a population health perspective. AJRCCM 2002;165:1217-1239.

What are the symptoms?

Sleep apnea often goes undiagnosed because the symptoms are overlooked. They include:

Nighttime symptoms

Loud persistent snoring

Witnessed pauses in breathing

Chocking or gasping for air during sleep

Restless sleep

Frequent visits to the bathroom

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Daytime symptoms

Early morning headaches

Excessive daytime fatigue

Poor concentration

Depression or irritability

Sleepiness during routine activities

What are the risks?

Sleep apnea can have both short and long term health risks if left untreated, including:

High blood pressure
Irregular heartbeat
Heart disease/heart attack
Stroke
Type 2 Diabetes
Driving and work-related accidents

Overall sleepiness at the wheel is considered responsible for 20 to 25% of traffic accidents occurring on European roads.

Sleepiness at the wheel - White Paper

3 times greater risk of stroke among patients with moderate sleep apnea when left untreated.

Goldstein et al, Guidelines for the Primary Prevention of Stroke. A Guideline for Healthcare Professionals From the American Heart Association/American Stroke, Stroke, Dec 5, 2010.

Benefits of a regular treatment

Using treatment regularly, you may experience the following benefits:

Less sleepiness during the day time
Improved mood
Improved memory attention and concentration
Fewer awakenings during the night to go the bathroom
Improved overall quality of life
Decreased risk of sleepiness related motor vehicle accidents
Decreased risk for cardiovascular disease

Tips for therapy success

If you have Sleep Apnea, you're not alone. Learn helpful tips for adjusting to treatment.

Don’t lose good days to bad nights