Sleep Apnea
Sleep health is a process during which our body and mind are renewed and our immune system is strengthened. However, in some cases, we may unknowingly face a life-threatening condition: sleep apnea. This disorder affects not only the quality of sleep but also various systems in the body, including the heart, brain, and metabolism.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a common and serious sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breathing during sleep. The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea, which usually occurs when the muscles in the upper airway relax, causing the airway to become partially or completely blocked. When breathing stops, oxygen levels drop, prompting the brain to send a signal that briefly awakens the person without them realizing it. This cycle repeats many times throughout the night, preventing deep and restorative sleep.
What Are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?
This insidious disorder often presents with symptoms that go unnoticed by the individual. However, the following signs may be warning indicators of sleep apnea:
- Loud and intermittent snoring
- A partner noticing breathing pauses
- Excessive daytime sleepiness, drowsiness while driving
- Waking up tired or feeling exhausted in the morning
- Morning headaches, dry mouth
- Night sweats, frequent urination at night
- Difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness
- Mood swings, signs of depression
- Decreased libido and sexual performance
Why Is Sleep Apnea Important?
Sleep apnea is not just a snoring problem. If left undiagnosed and untreated, it can lead to serious health complications:
- High blood pressure: Apneas increase sympathetic activity, leading to chronic hypertension.
- Heart disease: Risk of heart attacks, heart failure, and arrhythmias rises significantly.
- Stroke: Oxygen deprivation and blood pressure fluctuations can damage brain vessels.
- Type 2 diabetes: Sleep fragmentation increases insulin resistance.
- Obesity: Poor sleep quality makes weight management more difficult.
- Depression and anxiety: It has a direct impact on mental health.
- Sexual dysfunction: Caused by hormonal imbalances.
- Safety risks: Daytime drowsiness and lack of focus increase the risk of traffic and work accidents.
Don’t Ignore the Silent Danger
Symptoms like frequent nighttime urination, morning headaches, or difficulty concentrating during the day may often be attributed to other causes, but sleep apnea could be the underlying reason. That’s why such complaints should not be taken lightly.
Sleep Apnea Is Treatable!
The best news is: sleep apnea is a treatable condition. Diagnosis is typically made with a one-night sleep study (polysomnography). Treatment options may include lifestyle changes, positive airway pressure (PAP) devices, oral appliances, and in some cases, surgical interventions.
With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, both your sleep quality and overall health can be brought back under control. Remember: healthy sleep is the foundation of a healthy life.
If you would like to get detailed information about sleep disorders, learn about treatment options, undergo a sleep study, or schedule an appointment, you can easily contact us.
With the guidance of our specialist physician in the field of sleep disorders, we offer you a safe and comprehensive evaluation and treatment process at our clinic located in Ankara, Türkiye.
We would be happy to guide you throughout your treatment process and provide support in every aspect you may need. If you wish, we can also assist with accommodation and offer various hotel options.
Clinic Address:
Prof. Dr. Bülent Çiftçi Sleep Clinic
Mustafa Kemal Mah. 2118. Cad. Maidan Business Center, Block A, No:9 Office:103
Çankaya / Ankara – TÜRKİYE
Contact Information:
📞 Contact via WhatsApp message only: +90 533 027 27 27
📧 Email: bulentciftci@gmail.com
You will be contacted as soon as possible.
Healthy sleep is the foundation of a healthy life.