325 Virgin Olive Oil Benefits either on the cell surface or within the cell. These signals are transmitted from one molecule to another inside the cell, ultimately triggering a specific cellular response. Cells with abnormal signalling molecules may become cancerous. SIMPLE PHENOLS (See MINOR COMPOUNDS / Phenolic compounds) β-SITOSTEROL (See MINOR COMPOUNDS / Triterpenoids / Phytosterols) SLEEP APNOEA Humans spend around one third of their lives sleeping. Sleep is a physiological process during which essential hormonal, metabolic, and biochemical changes actively take place to ensure the proper functioning of the body. Sleep apnoea is a common disorder in which breathing is either interrupted or becomes very shallow. These respiratory events can last from a few seconds to several minutes and may occur frequently, especially in certain conditions. The most common form is obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), caused by either anatomical or functional obstruction of the airway. The person attempts to breathe, but the blockage prevents or reduces airflow. OSA is often associated with obesity, and sufferers typically snore heavily. However, not all people who snore have OSA. Another form is central sleep apnoea, where the breathing reflex is temporarily suspended and the person makes no attempt to breathe. When a central apnoea is immediately followed by an obstructive one, it is termed mixed apnoea. A related disorder is hypopnoea, characterised by a partial reduction in breathing. All of these conditions lower oxygen levels in the body, making restorative sleep difficult and leading to fatigue, daytime sleepiness, and attention deficits the following morning. Sleep apnoea is diagnosed via overnight monitoring using a device called a polysomnograph, which records various neurological, respiratory, and cardiac signals, as well as snoring and body movements in different sleep positions. Sleep apnoea may occur in various clinical settings, such as OSA (predominantly obstructive) or heart failure (mainly central apnoeas). It can also occur in healthy individuals sleeping at high altitude (mainly central apnoeas). SQUALENE (See MINOR COMPOUNDS / Triterpenoids) STATINS Drugs that inhibit a key enzyme involved in cholesterol synthesis, and are used to lower blood cholesterol levels. STEARIC ACID (See LIPIDS / Saturated lipids) STEATOHEPATITIS (See FATTY LIVER) STENOSIS A pathological narrowing or constriction of a bodily orifice or passage. It typically refers to strictures in arteries, heart valves, airways, the digestive tract, biliary and pancreatic ducts, and the urinary system. The condition may be congenital or acquired later in life.
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