Sleep apnoea is a condition in which a person's upper airway becomes partially or completely blocked. During sleep, breathing repeatedly stops and starts. There are several potential causes, and correctly diagnosing the cause is key to finding the right form of treatment.
Table of contents:
- What is sleep apnoea?
- Symptoms of sleep apnoea
- Who is at risk of sleep apnoea?
- How to get rid of the problem?
- Sleep apnoea can cause many problems
Breathing interruptions during the sleep cycle can occur many times during the night, which can affect the overall quality of sleep and - moreover - put you at risk of serious health problems.
What is sleep apnoea?
There are two main types of sleep apnoea: obstructive sleep apnoea and central sleep apnoea. Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) involves cyclic apnoea and shallow breathing caused by complete or partial blockage of airflow. Central sleep apnoea (CBS), on the other hand, is the complete cessation of airflow through the airway during sleep with simultaneous cessation of respiratory movements of the chest and abdomen.
Untreated sleep apnoea can lead to serious complications such as heart disease and depression. It can also cause drowsiness, thereby increasing the risk of accidents.
Symptoms of sleep apnoea
People with sleep apnoea may not be aware of the problem, but another person may notice worrying symptoms during the night, which usually include loud gasping for air, a pause in breathing, followed by loud breathing. Although snoring is the most common indicator of sleep apnoea it is important to remember that it is not always a sign of the condition. A sleep study can help your doctor determine if you are having enough episodes of disturbed breathing or pauses in breathing for sleep apnoea to be present.
In addition to symptoms occurring at night, there may be other signals that the person themselves are able to notice. These may include.
- Fatigue,
- Sleep problems,
- Difficulty concentrating,
- Wakingup several times during the night to urinate,
- Awakening with a dry mouth or sore throat.
Who is at risk of sleep apnoea?
The most common form of the condition is obstructive sleep apnoea. It is a common condition, but men are particularly at risk. Some studies show that apnoea can affect up to 20 per cent of men over the age of 40. The condition is also common in post-menopausal women over the age of 50. The onset of sleep apnoea is favoured by obesity, especially a large neck circumference. The fatty tissue deposited in the neck then compresses the throat and reduces its lumen, thus favouring the occurrence of apnoea. Individuals are also at risk:
- Curvature of the nasal septum,
- Diseases impairing nasal patency,
- Hypertrophy of thepalatine tonsils,
- Anatomical abnormalities of the craniofacial structure.
How to get rid of the problem?
People with moderate to severe sleep apnoea should seek medical help to avoid serious complications including heart disease.
Mild cases of sleep apnoea should also be consulted with a specialist, but there are a number of ways that can help to manage the condition.
Losing excess weight can be a good first step in treating obstructive sleep apnoea. Meanwhile, one of the most common home remedies for sleep apnoea is an orthopaedic pillow. Positioners work by stopping a person from sleeping on their back. This is because people with obstructive sleep apnoea are more likely to have apnoeic episodes when they sleep on their backs.
In addition, sleeping at an angle of about 60 degrees can help to reduce the number of apnoeic episodes. This solution may be effective precisely for people whose condition worsens when they sleep on their backs.
Sleep apnoea can cause a number of problems
Sleep apnoeacan lead to a number of health problems. Even though the person stops breathing, the heart continues to work pumping blood to supply the oxygen that the body does not receive during apnoea episodes. This extra work can damage the heart and lead to high blood pressure and heart rhythm problems.
Anyone who feels permanently tired and has trouble concentrating during the day should consult a doctor to find out why and take steps to address the problem.
