Night break: almost half of Russians experience respiratory arrest in their sleep
Almost half of Russians experience short-term respiratory arrest during sleep. According to experts, the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA) reaches 48%, and excess weight and smoking remain the main risk factors. However, many people do not attach importance to the symptoms of the disease, although it can increase the risk of cardiovascular and neurological disorders. For more information about why sleep apnea is becoming more common and what consequences it can have, see the Izvestia article.
Why are breathing stops so common during sleep?
Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is a condition in which short—term cessation of breathing occurs during sleep. Most often, it is associated with a narrowing of the respiratory tract, which leads to a decrease in blood oxygen levels and a disruption in sleep patterns.
Candidate of Psychological Sciences, Associate Professor, Professor of the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences, clinical psychologist, member of the Association of Apnologists of Russia Alexey Melekhin notes that episodes of respiratory arrest are observed in a large number of people.
— Every second or third person has such episodes, but it is important to understand in what form they manifest themselves — mild, moderate or severe. We are all predisposed to snoring and respiratory arrest during sleep due to anatomical features, nervous system features, endocrine and neurological status, as well as how sleep itself works," the expert explained.
According to him, if we talk specifically about the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, then its prevalence can be very high.
— Clinical data and research in the field of somnology show that obstructive sleep apnea syndrome can occur in approximately 60-70% of the population. This is a very common disorder, but it is often underestimated. There is almost no discussion in society about the risks it carries not only for the cardiovascular system, but also for mental and cognitive health," Melekhin noted.
He added that persistent myths are hindering awareness-raising about the problem.
— There are a number of dysfunctional beliefs. For example, that snoring is just a human trait or even a "masculine trait." Because of this, people often ignore the symptoms and carry the problem "on their feet" without seeking medical help, the specialist emphasized.
What symptoms do people most often ignore?
Late diagnosis remains one of the main problems of sleep apnea. Many signs of the disease are perceived as ordinary fatigue or the effects of lack of sleep.
— People often ignore morning fatigue, irritability, tearfulness, swelling, redness of the eyes. On the part of the ENT organs, dryness in the nose, spotting, a specific cough or coughing in the morning may occur. There is a feeling of staleness, a headache, but many people think it's just insomnia," he explained.
At the same time, as the expert notes, sleep apnea directly affects the quality of a night's rest.
— The very symptom of sleep apnea disrupts the structure of sleep. Sleep becomes fragmented, its architecture changes, and a person does not recover. This creates an additional burden on the cardiovascular system and the nervous system," Melekhin said.
Another characteristic feature may be waking up at night for no obvious reason.
— Many people wake up in the middle of the night and don't understand why this happened. They often ignore episodes of sniffing or stopping breathing in their sleep, explaining this by an uncomfortable position or pillow," the expert added.
What is the danger of sleep apnea?
Cardiologist, Head of the Department of personalized medicine "Polyclinic.Anton Vakhlyaev notes that many perceive snoring as a minor problem, although in fact it may be a serious violation.
— Apnea is respiratory arrest. If such episodes recur and continue for a long time, blood oxygen saturation decreases. This leads to ischemia, a pathological process that disrupts the functioning of organs," the specialist explained.
According to him, the heart and brain are particularly sensitive to oxygen deficiency.
— The most oxygen-dependent organs are the brain and the heart. Therefore, patients with sleep apnea often turn to a cardiologist. Serious complications can occur with systemic hypoxia," the doctor noted.
He added that modern diagnostic methods make it possible to identify the problem fairly accurately.
— Today we have enough knowledge and technology to see patients who have this problem. And what is important, we have modern means of treating obstructive sleep apnea," Vakhlyaev emphasized.
According to the specialist, it is important for people with severe snoring to undergo a timely examination.
— A patient with snoring is required to consult an ENT doctor and undergo a full-fledged examination with an endoscopic examination of the ENT organs and CT scan according to indications. If anatomical causes are identified, they must be eliminated. In this case, the problem of snoring and systemic hypoxia can be solved," he explained.
How the disease is detected and treated
Modern medicine uses several diagnostic methods for sleep apnea. The main one is considered to be polysomnography— a study that is performed during sleep and allows you to assess breathing, blood oxygen saturation, and other parameters.
Neurologist of the network of medical centers "Polyclinic.<url> Natalia Zharova notes that not every snoring is a disease.
— According to the clinical guidelines for 2024, among adults aged 30 to 70, the prevalence of mild obstructive sleep apnea is about 14% among men and 5% among women. Moderate and severe — 13% of men and 6% of women," she said.
According to her, the disease requires attention if breathing stops during sleep.
— In addition to snoring, patients may be disturbed by night sweats and frequent night urination. During wakefulness, a person does not feel rested. Severe daytime sleepiness, decreased memory and concentration, and morning headache may appear," the specialist explained.
Sometimes drowsiness can occur even during active activities.
— In severe forms of OSA, the desire to sleep may occur even during active activities, such as driving, — said Zharova.
According to doctors, the treatment of the disease begins with the correction of risk factors, primarily weight loss and treatment of concomitant diseases.
— In terms of treatment, it is important to start with weight loss, correction of concomitant diseases, such as hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, lung diseases and ENT organs. If this is not enough, a CPAP device is selected — a special mask that creates positive air pressure and prevents the collapse of the respiratory tract during sleep," the neurologist explained.
Alexey Melekhin adds that modern approaches to apnea therapy are becoming more and more personalized.
— Each apnea patient has his own profile. Currently, there are different phenotypes of patients with sleep apnea, depending on their mental, cognitive, physical, and endocrine-neurological characteristics. By determining which phenotype the patient belongs to, it is possible to choose the treatment more accurately and precisely," the specialist emphasized.
According to experts, timely examination and treatment can significantly reduce the risk of complications and improve the quality of sleep and life of patients.
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