The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Sleep Apnea Syndrome

A common sleep disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of breathing cessation or reduction during sleep.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Göğüs Hastalıkları department. Book Appointment →

What is Sleep Apnea Syndrome?

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is repeated narrowing or complete closure of the upper airway during sleep, leading to breathing pauses. Each apnea triggers an oxygen drop and a 'warning' signal to the brain, fragmenting sleep.

This cycle can repeat hundreds of times per night; the patient awakes unrefreshed in the morning. Excessive daytime sleepiness, difficulty concentrating and morning headaches are typical complaints.

Untreated sleep apnea is closely related to hypertension, atrial fibrillation, heart failure and diabetes. CPAP therapy reduces these risks.

Symptoms

Loud snoring
Recurrent breathing pauses at night (usually noticed by the partner)
Excessive daytime sleepiness and low energy
Morning headache
Difficulty with concentration and memory
Nighttime choking or sudden waking sensation
Irritability and depressive symptoms

Risk Factors

Obesity (most important risk factor)
Male sex and advanced age
Short, thick neck and large neck circumference
Tonsillar and adenoid hypertrophy
Alcohol use and sedative medications
Hypothyroidism and acromegaly
Family history of sleep apnea

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • If you experience drowsiness while driving during the day (for traffic safety)
  • If breathing pauses are observed by the partner
  • If morning headache and non-refreshing sleep persist for weeks
  • For polysomnography (sleep test) when sleep apnea is suspected
  • If CPAP therapy is ongoing and not tolerated, for device adjustment

Treatment Methods

01
Weight loss and lifestyle changes (restriction of alcohol and sedatives)
02
CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) device — gold standard treatment
03
Oral appliance (alternative in mild-to-moderate OSAS)
04
Positional therapy (avoiding supine sleep)
05
Surgery: uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, tonsillectomy-adenoidectomy (in selected cases)
06
Hypoglossal nerve stimulation (in patients unable to tolerate CPAP)

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Göğüs Hastalıkları department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Göğüs Hastalıkları Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Asthma

Göğüs Hastalıkları

Asthma is characterized by wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath attacks; with proper treatment it can be kept under control.

COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

Göğüs Hastalıkları

COPD is an irreversible lung disease characterized by shortness of breath and chronic cough; quitting smoking slows its progression.

Pneumonia

Göğüs Hastalıkları

Pneumonia presents with high fever, cough and shortness of breath; the vast majority recover with appropriate antibiotic treatment.

Tuberculosis (TB)

Göğüs Hastalıkları

Tuberculosis presents with weeks-to-months of cough, fever, and night sweats; early diagnosis and treatment lead to full recovery.

Pleural Effusion

Göğüs Hastalıkları

Pleural effusion is the accumulation of excess fluid in the pleural space, resulting from imbalances in fluid production and removal, and represents a manifestation of diverse cardiopulmonary, infectious, and malignant disorders.

Pneumothorax

Göğüs Hastalıkları

Pneumothorax is the presence of air in the pleural space resulting in partial or complete lung collapse, classified as spontaneous (primary/secondary), traumatic, or iatrogenic, with tension pneumothorax representing a life-threatening emergency.

Bronchitis (Acute and Chronic)

Göğüs Hastalıkları

Acute bronchitis is mostly viral and resolves spontaneously, while chronic bronchitis is a smoking-related component of COPD.

Bronchiectasis

Göğüs Hastalıkları

Bronchiectasis is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by permanent, abnormal dilation of bronchi with associated destruction of muscular and elastic components of airway walls, resulting in impaired mucociliary clearance and recurrent infection.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.