Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a common sleep disorder. Its symptoms include snoring, witnessed apnea, and diurnal hypersomnia. This type of sleep disorder affects approximately 4% of men and is associated with a number of negative consequences. These include increased risk of motor vehicle accidents, reduced productivity, and reduced quality of life. Some occupations also have been shown to be associated with OSAS.
A study was conducted to determine the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea in coal workers. The study found that coal workers have a higher prevalence of snoring, apneas, and witnessed apneas than the general population. Additionally, coal workers had a higher prevalence of daytime sleepiness than the comparison group. There was an increased prevalence of OSAS in those who were overweight.
Obstructive sleep apnea has been linked to work-related accidents. In one study, CPAP was found to be an effective treatment in decreasing automobile accidents in sleep apnea patients. However, further studies are needed to evaluate the main symptoms of OSAS in coal workers.
The American Academy of Pediatrics published guidelines on the diagnosis of childhood OSAS in 2002. They included adenotonsillectomy in the recommended procedures for treating OSAS. Similarly, aetna considers oral appliances medically necessary in the treatment of children with OSAS.
Sleep apnea is a common cause of traffic accidents. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale has been shown to be associated with work-related accidents. Another study has shown that sleep-disordered breathing is associated with cardiovascular disease. Although it is not known what causes this disorder, researchers suggest that obesity plays a role.
Researchers have studied the association between obstructive sleep apnea and other factors, such as age, gender, weight, occupation, and menopausal status. Obstructive sleep apnea was found to be more common in men than in women. While women had a lower prevalence of OSAS, their OSAS symptoms were not as severe as the symptoms of OSAS in men.
One of the most important measures for OSAS is the removal of alcohol from the nighttime routine. This reduces muscle tone and can lead to throat collapse. Other medications, such as sleeping pills, can also disrupt normal breathing during the night. Medications for other problems, such as high blood pressure, may also have an impact on sleep and breathing.
Several studies have been conducted to evaluate the prevalence of OSAS in polycystic ovary syndrome. In addition, the luteinizing hormone secretion in teenage girls with this disorder was abnormal. Research has also suggested that thin young adults with an underbite, micrognathia, and overbite have a higher likelihood of developing OSA.
Another study compared the effectiveness of oral appliances in treating obstructive sleep apnea. The study involved a random national sample of 1214 people, which achieved a 76% weighted reply rate. Overall, the benefits of treatment are felt soon after beginning treatment. Oral appliances can be effective in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea, snoring, and other sleep disorders.
If you suspect that you or a loved one has obstructive sleep apnea, you can use a home sleep monitor to detect the presence of the condition. These devices can screen for snoring issues and offer quantitative data to help you determine if you or a loved one has sleep apnea.
