It is estimated that 15 to 20% of the population suffers from undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

According to recent studies, we are all at risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), regardless of our age, gender, height, weight, or nationality.

Some individuals are more at risk, such as those who are overweight, have a retruded lower jaw (mandibular retrognathia), or have a family history of the condition.

When we suffer from sleep apnea, it affects not only our own lives but also those around us. Whether it’s the constant fatigue or the need to always stay active, sleep apnea has a wide range of symptoms. These symptoms may resemble those of depression or attention deficit disorders.

Aggravating Factors

We identify three main factors that increase the risk of sleep apnea:

• Excess weight
• Heredity
• Airway morphology

Disruptive Consequences

High blood pressure, type II diabetes, heart attack, and stroke are all potential consequences of obstructive sleep apnea.

To confirm or rule out the condition, a sleep study is needed. This test records your sleep and allows us to assess various data in order to determine the presence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

If you experience three or more of the following symptoms, you may be at risk of obstructive sleep apnea.

At night:

• Snoring
• Breathing pauses
• Frequent urination
• Frequent movements
• Frequent awakenings
• Night sweats

During the day:

• Excessive morning fatigue
• Daytime fatigue
• Dry mouth upon waking
• Headaches
• Unrefreshing sleep
• Memory and/or concentration issues
• Irritability
• Exhaustion
• Drowsiness
• Feeling down

The Epworth Sleepiness Scale

This questionnaire is a tool used to assess the risk of falling asleep or experiencing drowsiness. It is used during the screening process.

What is the likelihood of dozing off or falling asleep in the following situations?
This refers to your recent daily life habits.