[Snoring and sleep apnea syndrome]

Abstract

Sleep apnea and obstructive snoring are sleep related breathing disorders (SRBD). Nevertheless, there is only a quantitative difference between snoring and the obstructive form of sleep apnea. Snoring occurs in at least 20% of the population; 50% of the 50 year old male snore. Although in most of the cases only harmless snoring is concerned. It becomes serious if it leads as the independent SRBD "obstructive snoring" to a continuous oxygen desaturation and a sleep disturbance or, if in cases of sleep apnea a postapnoic snoring is concerned. The snoring pattern "loud and irregular" is always a sign for a serious SRBD. Still, no exact statement can be given concerning the frequency of obstructive snoring. However, the prevalence of sleep apnea in men of the mean age group has been determined to 10%. By the so-called sleep apnea syndrome are summarized clinical pictures with symptoms and findings caused by sleep apnea, respectively with those which can be reduced by sufficiently early introduced therapy. Most frequent symptoms and findings are: hypertension, loud and irregular snoring, daytime sleepiness and nocturnal cardiac arrhythmias. Especially hypersomnia has always to be taken seriously. In relation with other symptoms and findings associated with apnea it is always an indication for the examination for sleep apnea and obstructive snoring.