Study reveals up to 50 percent of men in Greece experience sleep apnea

·

A study conducted in 2019 has revealed that one in two men and one in five women in Greece are believed to have sleep apnea syndrome, with that number expected to increase in the next 30 years.

According to Health Direct Australia, sleep apnea occurs when a person’s throat is partly or completely blocked while they are asleep, causing them to stop breathing. Their breathing can stop for anywhere between a few and 90 seconds, and they wake briefly. The sufferer is often unaware of it happening, but will wake feeling tired.

Constantin Soldatos, professor of psychiatry and honorary president of the Hellenic Sleep Research Society, and Anastasia Amfilochiou, pulmonologist and director of the Sleep Study Unit at the Sismanogleio Hospital in Athens, presented on Wednesday an online lecture showing relevant data on the commonness of sleep apnea in Greece.

The lecture, presented by the American College of Greece and titled “Sleep Apnea Syndrome: A Clinical Entity Underestimated and Underdiagnosed,” pointed to evidence from a 2008 epidemiological study in Greece, which showed that up to 7% of men and up to 5% of women suffered from this syndrome.

The professor and pulmonologist also pointed to a study conducted more recently in 2019, which showed more alarming percentages of 50% for men and 18% and women. The syndrome was described as reaching a “pandemic” by 2050 in men aged 40 to 60 from Amfilochiou, who said it is related to an increase in obesity, but also other factors. 

Sleep apnoea can affect anyone, but is more common in people who are middle aged or older, who snore, who are above a healthy weight and who have sleep apnoea in the family. Evidence shows that people with untreated moderate to severe sleep apnoea are more likely to have high blood pressure and other cardiovascular disease.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Greece said ‘no’ to Italians in WWII, but answered to a Roman name

On OXI Day, The Greek Herald reflects on how one word - “No” - continues to shape identity, language and belonging.

How Vietnam veteran Steve Kyritsis made it his work to honour forgotten WWII soldiers

For Vietnam veteran Steve Kyritsis OAM, what began as a request from the Greek Consulate 14 years ago has become a lifelong mission.

Young Greek Australians reflect on OXI Day and their cultural identity

OXI Day remains a symbol of hope and national pride in Greek history, especially for the younger generations.

St Demetrios Greek Orthodox church at St Marys hosts first-ever Paniyiri

People flocked to St Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church at St Marys on Sunday to celebrate the feast day of the parish’s patron saint.

Kezilas family donates historic baptism record to Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia

His Grace Bishop Bartholomew of Brisbane has received the first recorded Baptism Certificate issued in Australia, dating back to 1924.

You May Also Like

Greek Book Fair 2023: A celebration of Greek Australian literature and culture

The Greek Book Fair is a literary event where authors, readers, and book lovers come together to celebrate Greek Australian literature.

Greek PM eyes third term citing economic gains and reform agenda

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has confirmed his intention to seek a third term, citing Greece’s improving economic outlook.

Greek Australian property owner in dispute with neighbour over miscalculated Vaucluse harbour view

A block of land that mysteriously grew 200 square metres overnight has turned an exclusive waterfront pocket of Vaucluse into a battleground