A Silent Da..nger Hiding Beneath Your Pillow

Waking up repeatedly feeling exhausted despite getting many hours of sleep might not be just regular fatigue—it could be a hidden health condition known as sleep apnea.

This disorder, which affects a vast number of people globally, involves sudden pauses in breathing during sleep without the person’s awareness. These interruptions lead to decreased oxygen levels and a gradual decline in overall health.

Dr. Ahmed Yassin Bahjat, a specialist in ENT surgeries and sleep surgery, states that over one billion people worldwide suffer from this condition, though most are unaware of it.

Common symptoms include morning headaches, chronic fatigue, and poor concentration. In more severe cases, it can impact the heart and brain. Many people mistakenly attribute their headaches to issues like sinus problems, while the real cause may lie in nighttime breathing disruptions.

Telltale signs include loud snoring, constant fatigue despite adequate sleep, and noticeable pauses in breathing during sleep, often observed by others. To assist with diagnosis, doctors use the “STOP-BANG” test—a series of questions focused on symptoms and related risk factors.

Thanks to advances in diagnostic technology, monitoring sleep apnea no longer requires a hospital stay. Small, wearable devices—similar to watches—can now track breathing and oxygen levels at home throughout the night.

When it comes to treatment, options vary depending on the severity of the condition. The most common method is the use of a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) device, which keeps the airway open during sleep.

However, many patients—about half—struggle to continue using it, prompting the development of alternative solutions. These include implantable devices that stimulate jaw muscles and smart pillows in development that can detect breathing stoppages and automatically help restore normal breathing.

These innovations mark a significant step forward in providing greater comfort and long-term relief. But ultimately, raising awareness and ensuring early diagnosis remain the most effective ways to prevent the potentially life-threatening consequences of this silent disorder.