Sleep health

Our sleep apnea guide

Understand Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS).

Sleep apnea is a common disorder in which a person stops breathing temporarily or takes shallow breaths during sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most frequent form.

Sleep apnea (OSAS)

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS), also called Obstructive Sleep Apnea-Hypopnea Syndrome (OSAHS)?

  • Symptoms

    A large proportion of sleep-breathing disorders are caused by OSAS, commonly referred to as sleep apnea. Characteristic symptoms are loud snoring and breathing pauses during sleep.

  • Causes

    In most cases, apnea is due to the relaxation of the tongue and throat muscles, which are not sufficiently toned. They block the passage of air during sleep.

  • Complications

    Patients suffering from OSAS have drowsiness and feel tired during the day. They have difficulty concentrating. This lack of rest leads to a risk of road and workplace accidents.

Sleep apnea: what to do?

To begin with, you will need to make an appointment with a sleep specialist to diagnose the severity of your condition and make sure you suffer from OSA.

  • 1

    Book a consultation. Make an appointment with a sleep specialist to diagnose the severity of your condition and make sure you suffer from OSA.

  • 2

    Understand your situation. Loud snoring and breathing pauses during sleep are the characteristic symptoms a specialist will look for.

  • 3

    Explore your options. Discuss approaches suited to your diagnosis, and how Back2Sleep can fit alongside them.

This guide is educational and informational. It is not a diagnosis — only a sleep specialist can assess your condition.

Sources: Chays & Florent, Le ronflement, Abrégés Masson 2010; Pessey & Lombard, Ronchopathie chronique, EMC ORL 2001.