Experts point out the importance of sleep for a healthy and long life at every opportunity. A healthy sleep, which allows our body to rest during the day, causes us to be much more energetic. Obstructive sleep apnea causes the breathing of the person to stop and start again while they sleep, thus laying the groundwork for the formation of various risky diseases.
THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WITH TREATMENT IS EXTREMELY LOW
A French study of 20,000 adults found that one in five people is most likely to have the condition, but only 3.5 percent are cured. From the University of Paris-Cité, Dr. Pauline Balagny said: “We know OSA is a major health hazard, but if patients are diagnosed with the condition, treatments and advice can be given to reduce the risks.
“Our study shows that OSA is common, but most of those affected are unaware of their condition. Our findings are in line with research in other countries that suggests OSA is becoming more common.” Participants were assessed using questionnaires asking about symptoms such as heavy snoring and daytime fatigue.
THESE PEOPLE SEE MORE
The condition was found to be more common in men, the elderly, smokers, those who are less physically active, and people with heart disease or depression. However, female patients had a higher risk of not being diagnosed.
MANY PEOPLE DO NOT AWARE THAT THEY ARE SICK
Treatments include lifestyle changes such as weight loss and reducing alcohol intake. Some patients require a device called a CPAP machine that pumps air into a mask worn at night. Professor Winfried Randerath, chair of the European Respiratory Society Assembly, who was not involved in the research, said many people with OSA are unaware that snoring and sleepiness are common symptoms.
RAISING AWARENESS IS NEEDED
“We need to raise awareness about OSA because once diagnosed, people can be given treatment and advice to help reduce their risk of other serious conditions such as stroke, heart disease and diabetes. Although OSA is more common in men, this study shows we need to be better at detecting the condition in women as well. “