In addition, he noted that sleep apnea “can appear in childhood, although with different causes and characteristics”. Among the predisposing factors for suffering sleep apnea, the expert emphasized obesity: “Therefore, one of the measures for avoiding the problem is losing weight. In fact, there are patients who have been able to make their sleep apnea disappear simply by reducing their weight”.
“It is also a good idea to avoid sleeping face-upwards—since this position aids in the appearance of snoring—as well as quitting tobacco use and the excessive consumption of alcohol”, adds Muñoz. In the most serious cases, the treatment includes the nightly use of a pressurized air mask, although he emphasized that each patient should receive the treatment most appropriate for his or her case.
With regards to the problems associated with sleep apnea, Roberto Muñoz indicated that the problem—which is basically characterized by intense snoring accompanied by prolonged pauses in breathing (more than ten seconds)—also provokes tiredness and poorer intellectual performance, since sleep is of lower quality. “Over the long term, in addition, the alterations in respiration can result in hypertension, cardiovascular problems, and finally in stroke; hence the importance of preventing it and treating it from its outset”, concluded the expert.
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