My Conversation With Sleep Apnea Expert Richard Schwab

Dr. Richard Schwab is a professor of medicine at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. His groundbreaking research has used innovative imaging techniques to study the development of sleep apnea (when tissues in the mouth close during sleep, resulting in repeated airway obstructions and associated oxygen drops). In our conversation, he shared his insights on the most important facts in sleep apnea research: the high prevalence of the disorder, how obesity and alcohol can cause sleep apnea, the resulting cardiovascular problems, and the importance and ease of treatments. Here is a lightly edited transcript of our conversation. What are the primary risk factors and consequences of sleep apnea? The big-picture message: Sleep apnea is really common. More than 18 million Americans suffer from the disorder. The primary risk factor for sleep apnea is obesity, which increases the size of different structures within your mouth. Given the fact that obesity is rampant in this country and around the world, sleep apnea is extremely common. Sleep apnea can also be seen in thin people, but it is usually related to their jaw being recessed, or having big tonsils. Pretty much everyone who has sleep apnea snores, although not everyone who snores has sleep apnea. The major consequence of sleep apnea is that patients are often very sleepy. This can increase the risks of car accidents, and you worry in particular about truck drivers. They often get insufficient sleep, and adding sleep...
Source: Science - The Huffington Post - Category: Science Source Type: news