What is Obstructive Sleep Apnoea?
Sleep apnoea is a common sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during the night. This condition occurs when the muscles in the upper airways—such as the throat, voice box, and nose—relax excessively, causing airflow blockages. These episodes can happen hundreds of times throughout the night, disrupting sleep and lowering oxygen levels in the body. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 42-58% of Australians experience sleep apnoea, and nearly 1 in 10 suffer from undiagnosed cases. The risk increases with age, particularly in men. Sleep apnoea can negatively affect overall health, reducing sleep quality and increasing the risk of accidents at work or on the road. If you suspect you have sleep apnoea, consulting a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment is crucial.
Symptoms
The symptoms of sleep apnoea can vary, but common indicators include:
- Persistent fatigue and daytime sleepiness
- Difficulty concentrating and memory problems
- Morning headaches
- Irritability and mood swings
- Snoring, often reported by a partner
- Witnessed episodes where you stop breathing during sleep
If you or your partner notice these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical advice to assess your condition and explore treatment options.
Causes
Obstructive sleep apnoea is caused by the collapse of muscles in the upper airway during sleep, which restricts airflow to the lungs.
Several factors increase the risk of developing sleep apnoea, including:
- Obesity or being overweight
- Smoking
- Physical inactivity
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
Addressing these risk factors may help reduce the severity of sleep apnoea symptoms and improve overall health.
Diagnosis
If sleep apnoea is suspected, your doctor will evaluate your symptoms and medical history and may recommend diagnostic tests.
A common and reliable method to diagnose sleep apnoea is through a sleep study, which records:
- Brain activity
- Heart rate
- Oxygen levels in the blood
- Breathing patterns
- Eye and leg movements
Sleep studies can be conducted in a lab or sometimes at home with portable equipment. The results will help your doctor determine the severity of the condition and the most suitable treatment plan.
Treatment Options
Treating sleep apnoea often involves a combination of lifestyle changes, medical devices, and sometimes surgery, depending on the individual’s circumstances.
- Lifestyle Changes
- Weight loss, especially in individuals who are overweight or obese, can reduce the severity of sleep apnoea.
- Quitting smoking and reducing alcohol intake are also important for managing symptoms.
- Establishing good sleep hygiene and trying different sleep positions may improve breathing during the night.
- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) CPAP machines are a common and effective treatment for sleep apnoea. The device delivers pressurised air through a mask to keep the airways open during sleep. While CPAP is highly effective, adherence can be challenging for some, with around 50% of users discontinuing use within the first month.
- Dental Splints For mild to moderate cases, dental splints or mouthguards may be used to keep the lower jaw forward during sleep, helping to prevent airway collapse.
- Surgery In more severe cases or if other treatments are ineffective, surgery may be considered. Surgery can involve removing tissue from the throat, correcting nasal obstructions, or adjusting the position of the jaw to keep the airway open.
Complications of Untreated Sleep Apnoea
If left untreated, sleep apnoea can lead to serious long-term health issues, including:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease and heart attacks
- Type 2 diabetes
- Stroke
- Depression
- Increased risk of accidents due to fatigue
Receiving timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment is critical to managing sleep apnoea and improving quality of life.
At Pocket Doctor, we offer convenient telehealth consultations to assess and manage sleep apnoea. Our experienced doctors are available to guide you through the process, from diagnosis to treatment, all from the comfort of your home. Don’t let sleep apnoea affect your health and well-being.
Book an appointment with Pocket Doctor today for personalised care, anytime and anywhere in Australia.
References: Health Direct – Obstructive Sleep Disorder
Sleep Health Foundation – Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)