Experts Join Forces Against Snoring and Sleep Apnea in Bornova

At the panel titled “Current Approaches to Snoring and Sleep Apnea,” organized in collaboration with Bornova Municipality and Private Ento Surgical Medical Center, specialists emphasized that snoring and sleep apnea are serious health conditions that can pose life-threatening risks. The event attracted significant public interest, with experts also answering participants’ questions.

Organized by the Bornova Municipality Health Affairs Directorate in cooperation with Private Ento Surgical Medical Center, the panel was held at the Multi-Purpose Hall of the Uğur Mumcu Culture and Arts Center and received strong attendance and engagement from the public.

“Snoring Is a Social Problem That Can Even Lead to Divorce”

Speaking at the panel, ENT Specialist Dr. Ümit Filiz noted that a large proportion of patients who seek medical help complain of snoring and stressed that it should not be considered normal.

He explained that snoring is more common among men until their 40s, while after menopause, the rates become similar between men and women. According to Dr. Filiz, snoring affects not only the person who snores but also those around them. He pointed out that people who snore may face social exclusion and that the issue can even contribute to divorce.

Dr. Filiz also highlighted the dangers of sleep apnea, defined as pauses in breathing during sleep. If these pauses last longer than 10 seconds, they can become extremely dangerous. He emphasized that these conditions deeply affect family life but are treatable, adding that no one has to live with the disease and that dreaming occurs only during deep, quality sleep.

“1.5 Billion People Worldwide Struggle with This Condition”

Prof. Dr. Zeynep Zeren Uçar, President of the Turkish Sleep Medicine Association (TUTD), stated that society is currently facing a widespread sleep apnea epidemic, comparable in scale to a public health crisis.

She emphasized that sleep is not a simple biological activity; rather, it is a vital process through which the body and brain reset and regenerate. For this reason, snoring should never be underestimated.

Prof. Dr. Uçar noted that approximately 1.5 billion people worldwide are affected by sleep apnea and that obesity is one of the major risk factors. She explained that individuals with sleep apnea often struggle to lose weight and highlighted the importance of quality sleep for children’s development as well.

She also discussed anatomical predispositions, key risk factors, diagnostic methods, and the increased prevalence of sleep apnea among patients with heart disease, hypertension, and stroke.

“Healthy Teeth and Oral Structure Are Essential”

Prosthodontist Dr. Bilkay Karaman focused on the direct relationship between oral health and sleep apnea.

Describing sleep as “a state between life and death,” Dr. Karaman explained that the first signs of the condition can often be detected in the dentist’s chair. He noted that snoring frequently begins with the sagging of the uvula and can gradually progress into sleep apnea.

Dr. Karaman stressed the importance of replacing missing teeth and maintaining proper dental care. He explained that multiple missing teeth can cause the tongue to enlarge and the cheeks to collapse inward, narrowing the airway and making breathing more difficult.

He also pointed out that sleep apnea can affect children, causing poor sleep quality that may lead to concentration problems and accidents during the day. In addition, he provided detailed information about modern treatment options, including oral sprays, custom-made anti-snoring appliances, and digital snoring monitoring applications.

The panel concluded with an extensive question-and-answer session, during which the experts addressed participants’ concerns and shared practical recommendations for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.