DETECTION AND CLASSIFICATION OF SLEEP APNEA SYNDROME USING ADAPTIVE FUZZY LOGIC SCREENING SYSTEM

Abstract

Sleep apnea (SA) refers to episodes of non-breathing events lasting more than 10 seconds during sleep. These episodes occur in a transient manner, which may awaken the patient resulting in sleep fragmentation. As a result, the level of oxygen may drop to dangerously low levels, which may then result in cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heart beats). This happens during sleep and may sometimes occur more than 300 times a night. Although people who have sleep apnea may not be aware of the condition, it inevitably causes daytime sleepiness. Additionally, individuals with sleep apnea are much more prone to heart attacks and strikes. Mainly, there are three syndromes of sleep apneas: obstructive, central, and hypopnea. The consequences of sleep apnea may include depression, irritability, sexual dysfunction, learning and memory difficulties, and falling asleep while driving or at work. Despite the increased awareness of SA, many patients who have treatable SA still go undiagnosed by both the primary care physician and the specialist. It is thus clear that SA is a syndrome that pervades the general population and is currently underdiagnosed.