Sleep apnea should cease breathing for 10 seconds or more during sleep. It is usually associated with snoring. Daytime sleepiness is one of the most common symptoms, as sleep quality is impaired and the natural cycle of sleep is disrupted during sleep.
The diagnosis of sleep apnea is made by a sleep test (polysomnography) performed in sleep laboratories. During sleep, the patient is monitored during the night and parameters such as breathing pauses, heart rate, oxygen saturation, lying position, chest movements, leg movements are recorded.
The diagnosis of sleep apnea can now be made with polygraphy tests performed at home.
CPAP devices are the gold standard in the treatment of sleep apnea. These devices prevent the upper respiratory tract from closing by providing compressed air to the patient during the night with the help of a mask.
Another treatment method for sleep apnea is surgical operations. These include correction of the nasal cartilage, reduction or removal of large tonsils, adenoid removal, soft palate enhancement surgeries, tongue root reduction operations, chin and upper palate advancement surgeries.