What is sleep apnea?
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What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder characterized by repeated breathing interruptions during sleep.
These interruptions, also called apneas, are caused by the collapse of the upper airway, preventing oxygen from reaching the lungs.
Apneas can significantly affect your energy levels, mental performance, and long-term health. Do not ignore potentially dangerous symptoms like snoring and excessive daytime sleepiness, but consult a sleep specialist. Treatment can help you get the sleep you need to feel like yourself every day.
Video: Sleep Study Play Video 02:57 The stay in the sleep lab is simple and painless. The resulting treatment can completely change your life. A sleep study takes place overnight in a sleep lab. Myth: Sleep Lab Myth: I don't think I can sleep well in a sleep lab. White line Fact: Although many people have this fear, most can sleep well in the sleep lab. By Teofilo Lee-Chiong, MD, Chief Medical Interconnect, Philips Healthcare Solutions The diagnostic report on your sleep study Your doctor has ordered an overnight sleep study (also called "polysomnography" or abbreviated PSG) to be conducted in a sleep lab or at your home to clarify the suspicion of sleep apnea.When the sleep study is completed, your doctor will inform you of the results and discuss the next steps. You may receive a printout of your PSG report. When you read the report, you will likely find many unfamiliar technical terms. The following example shows what is typically included in a diagnostic report of a sleep study. It also explains the technical terms used. Sleep Study Diagnostic Report Name: Müller, Max Height: 185 cm Test Date: 09.08.2012 Date of Birth: 21.01.1973 Weight: 93 kg Age: 39 years BMI: 27 Referring Physician: Dr. Acula Gender: male Test No.: 136 Mr. Müller is a 39-year-old male patient referred by Dr. Schmidt with symptoms of snoring and excessive daytime sleepiness. His partner reports that Mr. Müller has apnea episodes and wakes up several times at night with gasping.The patient is 185 cm tall and weighs 93 kg, with a BMI of 27.0. According to the Mallampati classification, his oropharyngeal space is classified as Grade 3. The medical history shows significant hypertension. The current medication includes Lisinopril and Prilosec. The patient usually goes to bed at 10:30 PM. To rule out the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a full diagnostic polysomnography in the lab was ordered." / >

Weak respiratory muscles, a large tongue, obesity, and other factors can cause the upper airways to collapse and obstruct breathing.
You are not alone
About 10 % of the world's adult population suffers from sleep apnea, and about 90 % of them have not been diagnosed yet1. In the USA, at least one in five adults suffers from mild obstructive sleep apnea.
This is alarming, as sleep apnea is a serious condition. Sleep apnea disrupts sleep and can significantly affect energy levels, mental performance, and long-term health. In some cases, sleep apnea can be fatal if left untreated.
It can be difficult to take the first steps to find out if you suffer from sleep apnea. We are happy to assist you.
Symptoms and Risks of Sleep Apnea
Untreated sleep apnea is associated with a range of health risks. Therefore, it is important to consult a sleep disorder specialist if you exhibit these signs and symptoms.

Nocturnal Symptoms
- Loud, persistent snoring
- Audible breathing pauses
- Choking or gasping for air
- Restless sleep
- Frequent trips to the bathroom

Daytime Symptoms
- Headaches in the early morning
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Poor concentration
- Depressive moods or mild irritability
- Fatigue during routine activities
Sleep apnea can have serious short- and long-term health risks if left untreated.This includes u.a. :
- High blood pressure
- Heart arrhythmias
- Heart diseases/Heart attack
- Stroke
- Diabetes type 2
- Traffic and work accidents
How does the sleep apnea diagnosis work?
If you believe you are suffering from sleep apnea, gain certainty so you can begin treatment and enjoy the benefits of better sleep and a healthier life.
You can also find useful information in our brochure "Simply Sleep Healthy", which you can download here .
Do you recognize yourself in the list of sleep apnea symptoms? Then you should consult your general practitioner.
Discuss your test results with your family doctor, who will likely advise you to schedule an appointment at the sleep lab.
You will receive an appointment at the sleep lab, where your sleep will be analyzed in detail and a diagnosis can be made.