Constant fatigue as a manifestation of sleep apnea syndrome

With constant fatigue, there is a deterioration in coordination, fatigue is observed that does not go away even after rest, muscle discomfort, memory loss and depressive states occur. Often constant fatigue is accompanied by dizziness, anxiety, absent-mindedness, apathy. A common symptom is rapid nervous exhaustion.

Recently, it has been established that obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is one of the main causes of constant fatigue and daytime sleepiness in a huge number of people.

What is the reason for the appearance of constant fatigue in sleep apnea syndrome? In this disease, the patient has a periodic collapse of the upper respiratory tract during sleep. Developing during this period, hypoxia (lack of oxygen in the blood) and hypercapnia (increase in the content of carbon dioxide in it) are a signal for the brain to wake up (most often incomplete). Waking up, a person takes a few deep breaths, and his breathing is restored. But in the future, after falling asleep, respiratory arrest can occur again and again …

Numerous facts of awakening violate the natural structure of sleep. It becomes fragmented and superficial. Attacks of obstructive sleep apnea recur from five to thirty times an hour throughout the night. These episodes negatively affect the quality of sleep, so during the day the patient feels excessive sleepiness, fatigue, weakness, irritability, instability of the emotional state.

Constant fatigue with sleep apnea is also a consequence of oxygen starvation of muscle tissue, which is so characteristic of this disease. Desaturation (a drop in the degree of blood oxygen saturation) during apnea can reach 85% or less in severe disease.

Unresolved respiratory disorders and a growing oxygen deficiency lead to the fact that over time, fatigue becomes permanent, attention disorders increase, a decrease in working capacity progresses, and frequent headaches appear . Of course, this condition affects the relationship of a person in the family and at work, reduces the quality of work and life of patients. In addition, sleep apnea causes rapid progression of cardiovascular and other diseases, increases the risk of heart attack, stroke and sudden death.

Thus, constant fatigue is a widespread consequence of sleep apnea, which is desirable to identify in the early stages. Contacting a specialist in the treatment of sleep disorders will allow you to accurately diagnose the disease and its severity.

The best study for sleep apnea is polysomnography , which is carried out in special sleep centers and at home.under the supervision of medical staff. During the night, the sleeper’s breathing parameters, brain activity, degree of blood desaturation , electrocardiogram, eye movements are recorded. Thus, the study displays the quality of sleep, the frequency of awakenings and related changes in the body.

After the examination, the patient is prescribed treatment, which is aimed at restoring normal breathing during sleep.

Ways to restore normal sleep are different: weight loss, alcohol restriction, the use of special pillows, intraoral devices, surgical treatment for nasopharyngeal defects that make breathing difficult. However, the main and most effective method of treating obstructive sleep apnea is CPAP therapy using special devices. During a CPAP session, the patient breathes calmly and gets a good night’s sleep. Already after the first night of treatment, weakness, weakness and constant fatigue disappear. Of the devices for CPAP therapy, we can recommend the silent and reliable Prisma 20A from Weinmann – Loewenstein (Germany).

Our patient talks about the experience of using the CPAP machine. Inspiring results are noticeable after the first session of CPAP therapy.

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