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What is Sleep Apnoea? Understanding the Silent Sleep Disruptor

Sleep is essential for overall health and well-being. It helps the body recover, enhances cognitive function, and supports emotional balance. However, many people struggle with sleep disorders that prevent them from getting the restful sleep they deserve. One of the most common, yet often underdiagnosed, conditions is sleep apnoea.

But what exactly is sleep apnoea, and how can it impact your life?

In this blog, we’ll dive deep into the condition, uncovering what causes it, how to recognize its signs, and most importantly, what you can do to manage it effectively.

What Is Sleep Apnoea?

Sleep apnoea, or sleep apnea, is a serious sleep disorder in which a person’s breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. These interruptions can last from a few seconds to minutes and may occur dozens or even hundreds of times throughout the night. The condition is typically classified into three types: obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), central sleep apnoea, and complex sleep apnoea.

  1. Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA): This is the most common type, caused by a blockage in the upper airway, usually when the soft tissue in the back of the throat collapses and closes during sleep.
  2. Central Sleep Apnoea: This occurs when the brain fails to send the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. Unlike OSA, there’s no physical blockage, but the body’s ability to control the breathing process is compromised.
  3. Complex Sleep Apnoea: Also known as treatment-emergent central sleep apnoea, this is a combination of both obstructive and central apnoea. It can develop in people who are being treated for OSA with a CPAP machine, for example.

While obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is by far the most prevalent, each type of sleep apnoea shares a common trait: disrupted, poor-quality sleep, which can lead to serious long-term health problems if left untreated.

How Sleep Apnoea Affects Your Body

During an apnoeic episode, the body wakes up briefly (often without the person realizing it) to restore normal breathing. These micro-awakenings disturb the natural sleep cycle, leading to fragmented sleep and preventing the person from reaching the restorative stages of deep sleep.

Some of the immediate effects of sleep apnoea include:

  • Daytime Sleepiness: Because the body is repeatedly woken up, it never gets the chance to achieve deep, restful sleep. This leads to feelings of fatigue, grogginess, and excessive daytime sleepiness.
  • Reduced Oxygen Levels: When breathing stops, oxygen levels in the blood drop, which can put strain on the heart and other vital organs. Over time, this may lead to cardiovascular problems.
  • Increased Risk of Chronic Conditions: Untreated sleep apnoea has been linked to an increased risk of several serious health issues, including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and depression.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnoea

Sleep apnoea can be hard to recognize since many of the symptoms occur during sleep. However, there are several key signs to watch out for, both at night and during the day.

Nighttime Symptoms:

  • Loud Snoring: This is one of the most common signs of obstructive sleep apnoea. The snoring is often loud and can be punctuated by pauses in breathing.
  • Choking or Gasping for Air: During sleep, people with sleep apnoea may briefly stop breathing, then suddenly wake up gasping for air.
  • Restless Sleep: Frequent awakenings or tossing and turning are common among people with sleep apnoea.
  • Dry Mouth or Sore Throat: Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat is another indicator that you may be breathing through your mouth during sleep due to airway obstruction.

Daytime Symptoms:

  • Excessive Daytime Sleepiness: If you feel extremely tired during the day, especially after a full night’s sleep, it could be a sign that your sleep quality is being affected by sleep apnoea.
  • Morning Headaches: A headache upon waking, often caused by low oxygen levels during sleep, is another common symptom.
  • Irritability or Mood Swings: Chronic sleep deprivation can affect your mood, causing irritability, difficulty concentrating, or even anxiety and depression.

Risk Factors for Sleep Apnoea

Anyone can develop sleep apnoea, but certain factors can increase your risk. These include:

  • Obesity: Excess weight, especially around the neck, can contribute to airway obstruction.
  • Age: Sleep apnoea is more common in adults, especially those over 40.
  • Gender: Men are more likely to develop sleep apnoea than women, though the risk for women increases after menopause.
  • Family History: A family history of sleep apnoea may increase your chances of developing the condition.
  • Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, alcohol use, and sedative medications can relax the throat muscles and increase the likelihood of airway obstruction.
  • Physical Characteristics: Large tonsils, a thick neck, or a deviated septum can all contribute to airway blockages.

How Sleep Apnoea is Diagnosed

If you suspect you have sleep apnoea, it’s important to seek professional help. A healthcare provider may perform a sleep study, which is typically done in one of two ways:

  1. Home Sleep Apnoea Test (HSAT): In some cases, a home sleep test may be recommended. This involves wearing sensors while you sleep at home to monitor your breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and heart rate.
  2. Polysomnography (Sleep Study): For a more thorough assessment, you may be asked to spend the night in a sleep center, where a healthcare professional will monitor your brain waves, breathing patterns, heart rate, oxygen levels, and other bodily functions during sleep.

Treatment Options for Sleep Apnoea

The good news is that sleep apnoea is treatable, and there are several treatment options available, depending on the severity of the condition.

  1. Lifestyle Changes: For mild cases, lifestyle changes can have a significant impact. This may include:
    • Losing weight if you’re overweight.
    • Avoiding alcohol and sedatives.
    • Sleeping on your side instead of your back.
    • Establishing a regular sleep schedule.
  2. CPAP Therapy: The most common and effective treatment for moderate to severe sleep apnoea is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP). A CPAP machine uses a mask or nasal pillows to deliver a steady stream of air to keep the airways open during sleep.
  3. Oral Appliances: For those with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea, dental devices (also known as mandibular advancement devices) can help by repositioning the lower jaw and tongue to keep the airway open.
  4. Surgery: In severe cases or when other treatments are not effective, surgery may be recommended to remove excess tissue from the throat, reposition the jaw, or correct structural issues like a deviated septum.

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Sleep Apnoea

Sleep apnoea is more than just a nuisance—it can have serious, long-term health consequences if left untreated. The constant interruptions in sleep, reduced oxygen levels, and strain on the heart can lead to cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, and even premature death.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of sleep apnoea, it’s important to seek help from a healthcare provider who can guide you through the diagnosis and treatment process. Early intervention can significantly improve your quality of life and reduce your risk of serious health complications.

Final Thoughts

Sleep apnoea is a silent condition that can affect every aspect of your health, from your mood to your long-term well-being. But with the right diagnosis and treatment, you can regain control of your sleep and live a healthier, more energized life. Don’t wait—if you think you might have sleep apnoea, reach out to us at Sleep Apnoea Gold Coast today for a proper evaluation.

Take Action for Better Sleep Today!

If you suspect you may be suffering from sleep apnoea or other sleep disorders, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Early diagnosis and treatment can help you regain restful sleep and improve your overall health.

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