Get to Know Sleep Apnea, the Sleep Disorder That Can Be a Silent Killer

Jakarta, Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder involving the sudden cessation of breathing during sleep. Without being noticed, sleep apnea can become a silent killer.

Dr. Rimawati Tedjasukmana, SpS, RPSGT, from Medistra Hospital says sleep apnea can be a silent killer, with symptoms including snoring, brief breathing pauses, frequent nighttime waking to urinate, and gasping or choking during sleep.

“Then waking up unrefreshed, excessive sleepiness, morning headaches, feeling tired all day — these are often overlooked,” said Dr. Rima.

She added that there has been no national study on the prevalence of sleep apnea to date. However, a study conducted only in the Jakarta area showed that the prevalence in the nation's capital reaches 16 to 17 percent. According to Dr. Rima, it is important for individuals to get checked for sleep apnea, because sleep apnea can worsen if left untreated.

According to Dr. Rima, a proper diagnosis helps sleep apnea patients choose the right device to address the uncomfortable effects of apnea. A CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) device, according to Dr. Rima, is the first and most effective non-surgical treatment for sleep apnea in adults available today.

CPAP is a device that blows oxygen into the nose only, or into both the nose and mouth. This positive-pressure air prevents the throat from closing and relieves the symptoms caused by sleep apnea.

“We understand that good sleep quality makes a person's life better. This is one of the reasons we focus our innovation efforts on treating sleep apnea, including CPAP therapy devices,” said Suryo Suwignjo, President Director of Philips Indonesia, in a written statement received by detikHealth on Friday (17/3/2017).

“March 17 is World Sleep Day, which provides an opportunity to raise public awareness of sleep apnea so that patients, or those who may have sleep apnea, can find ways to restore sleep quality and dream well,” Suryo added.

To detikHealth some time ago, Dr. Isman Firdaus, SpJP-FIHA, from Harapan Kita Heart Hospital said sleep apnea is when breathing stops during sleep. In that condition, there is no breathing for about 20 seconds. Dr. Isman explained that sleep apnea is divided into three types: central, obstructive, and complex sleep apnea.

Central sleep apnea is when respiratory airflow and chest movement stop due to an autonomic nervous system disorder. Obstructive sleep apnea is when there is an airway blockage, usually in the mouth or throat. Complex sleep apnea is a combination of the two conditions.

“If a person is known to have a history of stroke or heart problems, then sleep apnea is one of the risks to watch for — especially if that person often snores during sleep,” said Dr. Isman.