Sleep apnoea causes repeated pauses in breathing during the night, leading to non-restorative sleep and increased cardiovascular risk. At the CIRCAE sleep centre in Woluwe-Saint-Lambert (Brussels), a sleep physician handles the screening, diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnoea.
Improve the quality and regularity of sleep
Reduce cardio-neuro-vascular risks
Restore daytime energy and alertness
Achieve a lasting improvement in quality of life
Sleep apnoea, or obstructive sleep apnoea-hypopnoea syndrome (OSA), is characterised by repeated pauses in breathing during the night. With each apnoea, the upper airway narrows partially or fully: breathing stops for a few seconds, oxygen levels drop and the brain triggers a brief awakening to resume breathing. These interruptions, sometimes several hundred a night, fragment sleep without the person being aware of it.
Very common and widely underdiagnosed, sleep apnoea affects both men and women, particularly after the age of 40, and in cases of excess weight, heavy snoring or high blood pressure. Early screening and care help restore restorative sleep and reduce the associated risks.
Certain symptoms, by day and by night, should raise the suspicion of sleep apnoea and prompt a consultation.
Loud snoring, breathing pauses witnessed by a partner, waking with a choking sensation, restless sleep, frequent night-time urination (nocturia).
Daytime sleepiness, fatigue on waking, morning headaches, difficulty concentrating and remembering, irritability, reduced libido.
Left untreated, sleep apnoea increases the risk of high blood pressure, cardiovascular events, stroke, type 2 diabetes and accidents related to sleepiness.
Diagnosis combines a specialist consultation with a sleep recording, chosen according to your clinical profile. See the CIRCASLEEP sleep assessment →
A meeting with two sleep experts to assess the type of disorder and the need for an in-depth assessment.
A simple examination carried out at home using a discreet finger ring. It assesses overnight desaturations and the cardiovascular risk associated with apnoea.
Recording of respiratory and cardiac parameters during sleep. Primarily intended for the screening of obstructive sleep apnoea.
The most comprehensive sleep examination. It accurately diagnoses respiratory disorders, severe insomnia, parasomnias and restless legs syndrome.
Depending on severity, treatment relies on continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), a mandibular advancement device and lifestyle measures, prescribed and monitored by our team.
Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia. A structured programme of 6 to 8 individual or group sessions (45–60 min) aimed at restoring natural sleep without dependence on sleeping pills.
Delivers pressurised air during sleep to keep the airways open. Eliminates apnoeas and reduces snoring and cardiovascular risk.
The Oniris+ device holds the lower jaw forward to prevent airway obstruction. Thermo-mouldable, adjustable and comfortable.
AYO glasses emit controlled blue light (20 min/day in the morning). The AYO+ models combine stimulating blue light and relaxing red light to regulate the body clock.
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Our specialties
Sleep centre · Sleep apnoea · Insomnia & CBT-I · Pulmonologist Brussels · Allergist Brussels · Respiratory physio · COPD · Sports physician · Dietitian · Neuropsychologist · Asthma · Snoring · VO2max · Excess weight
