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The term “Obstructive Sleep Apnea” refers to the temporary and repeated reduction of normal airflow to the lungs (apnea) during sleep.

It is a very common condition worldwide, with studies indicating that one (1) in five (5) adults has at least a mild form of sleep apnea. Unfortunately, and because of the circumstances in which it occurs (during sleep), most sufferers may not even be aware that they have the condition.

Sleep apnea can potentially lead to very serious complications, such as heart attack, stroke, arrhythmias, hypertension, reduced sexual libido and decreased work performance.

It has also been observed that people suffering from sleep apnea have a seven (7) times greater risk of being involved in a road traffic accident due to drowsiness.

What causes it?

By definition, obstructive sleep apnea is caused by obstruction of the upper airway during sleep due to reduced muscle tone in the area of the soft palate, the tongue and the hypopharynx. Approximately 70% of the obstruction is located at the back of the tongue, which should therefore form the basis of the therapeutic approach.

People with a large tongue or a small lower jaw (retrognathia) are more likely to develop obstructive apnea during sleep. Obesity, a deviated nasal septum and hypertrophic turbinates may worsen the problem, but they are not causes of sleep apnea.

What are the symptoms?

Repeated episodes of airway obstruction during sleep may present, among others, with the following symptoms: loud and noisy snoring, “interruption” of breathing during sleep, unexplained fatigue (the patient wakes up tired and in a bad mood despite having slept for several hours), daytime sleepiness, headache, especially upon waking in the morning, reduced productivity at work (poor concentration, weak memory), aggressiveness and disruption of interpersonal relationships, sexual dysfunction, depression, etc.

How is it diagnosed?

People experiencing the symptoms mentioned above should visit a specialized surgeon in order to be evaluated and undergo a special examination known as a “sleep study”.

Our clinic at the Athens Medical Center and the Interbalkan Medical Center of Thessaloniki undertakes the diagnosis and investigation of obstructive sleep apnea. Through this process, any interruptions – “obstructions” – of breathing during sleep are assessed. Depending on the number of apneas per hour of sleep (Respiratory Disturbance Index, RDI), sleep apnea is classified as mild (RDI < 15), moderate (RDI 15 – 30) or severe (RDI > 30). It should be noted here that severe apnea is an absolute indication for surgical treatment due to the risk of complications.

What are the treatment options?

Depending on the severity of sleep apnea, the following treatment options are available:

• Conservative treatment, which is applied in mild to moderate cases and includes losing excess weight, changing lifestyle habits (exercise, stress reduction), avoiding large meals, caffeine or alcohol before bedtime, avoiding sleeping pills or sedatives and changing sleeping position (preferably sleeping on one side). In addition, conservative treatment includes the use of C-PAP & Bi-PAP devices, whose function is based on increasing the pressure of inhaled air, thereby preventing interruption of airflow through the upper airway. With this method, it has been observed that approximately one (1) in three (3) patients discontinue use after one year.
• Transoral Robotic Surgery (T.O.R.S.), which offers a permanent and definitive solution for those suffering from severe obstructive sleep apnea. Using the latest technology in robotic surgery, our team intervenes simultaneously at all 3 points of airway obstruction during sleep (soft palate and uvula, base of the tongue, & hypopharynx), thereby increasing the rates of permanent and definitive treatment. It is also worth noting that the use of Transoral Robotic Surgery achieves, among other benefits, minimization of postoperative pain, faster healing and recovery, shorter hospital stay, immediate return to work and, finally, reduced difficulty with swallowing and speech after surgery.

Specialization and Organized Hospital Facilities:

Procedures for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea require specialization, modern hospital infrastructure and equipment, and collaboration between medical specialties. Continuous updates on new technologies and materials, combined with the ongoing investments of Athens Medical Group in biomedical equipment, allow us to provide the latest modern treatment options for this condition across the Group’s hospitals.