Sleep disordered breathing (SDR) is characterized by abnormal breathing patterns caused by a temporary relaxation of the muscles that support the white tissues of the throat, such as the tongue and soft palate. According to the Spanish Society of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, children with TRS are more likely to have behavioral problems.
According to a study published in the latest issue of the Italian Journal of Pediatrics, children affected by this sleep disorder will also be more likely to suffer chewing and swallowing complications, as well as a poorer quality of life. Increased inattention and hyperactive behavior could be directly related to cases of minors with TRS.
These conditions at an early age cause higher incidences of anxiety, depression, aggressive behavior and rule breaking compared to children without sleep-disordered breathing, regardless of severity. According to data from the Spanish Society of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, sleep apnea affects 1 to 5% of children, with its peak incidence between 3 and 8 years of age.
In adults, sleep apnea has increased by 45% in the last decade, this is due to factors such as obesity, a sedentary lifestyle and smoking. According to research published in the journal Lancet, around 1,000 million people between the ages of 30 and 69 suffer from severe apnea in the world, which indicates that the variety of patients is wide and varied, with different causes and associated problems.
In the case of men, sleep apnea is two to three times more common than in women. Its most important risk factor is obesity, which in turn can be the cause. Excess weight accumulates fat in the neck and at the base of the tongue, increasing the chances of collapse of the upper airway (VAS) during sleep. In addition, the accumulation of fat in the pharyngeal muscle fibers reduces their ability to contract.
