Do you consistently experience fatigue despite a whole night’s sleep or have been informed that your snoring is exceptionally loud? You may be exhibiting symptoms indicative of a more significant medical issue. You may be among the millions globally affected by obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA)—a disorder characterised by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep.
With proper medical intervention, this condition is entirely manageable. Let’s take a closer look at the details so you can regain control of your sleep and overall health.
What Exactly is Obstructive Sleep Apnoea?
There are three types of sleep apnoea:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA): The most common form of sleep apnoea, OSA, occurs when the muscles in the throat relax excessively during sleep, causing a partial or complete blockage of the upper airway. This obstruction restricts airflow, leading to intermittent pauses in breathing. The brain detects these pauses and briefly wakes the individual to reopen the airway, often resulting in loud snoring or gasping.
- Central Sleep Apnoea (CSA): Unlike OSA, CSA is caused by a failure of the brain to transmit proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. During sleep, the brain’s normal communication with the respiratory system is disrupted, leading to periods of apnea. CSA is often associated with underlying medical conditions such as heart failure, stroke, or neurological disorders. It may also occur as a side effect of certain medications like opioids. While snoring is less common in CSA, individuals may experience repeated awakenings, difficulty staying asleep, and excessive daytime sleepiness.
- Mixed Sleep Apnoea: This type of sleep apnoea is a combination of OSA and CSA. Initially, patients present with OSA symptoms, but during treatment (often with continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP), central apnoea episodes may also be observed. Management of mixed sleep apnoea can be more complex, as it may require addressing both the physical obstruction and the neurological issues that contribute to the condition.
How to Tell if You Have Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
While symptoms can differ among individuals, the following are some of the most commonly observed indicators:
- Loud snoring: Bed partners frequently report loud and disruptive snoring as one of the earliest signs of OSA. It should not be overlooked if your partner regularly wakes you due to snoring.
- Pauses in breathing during sleep: While you may not notice this yourself, a partner might observe periods where your breathing stops, often followed by gasping or choking sounds as normal breathing resumes.
- Daytime fatigue: Despite what may seem like sufficient sleep, individuals with OSA often wake feeling unrefreshed and experience excessive daytime sleepiness, making it difficult to stay alert.
- Morning headaches or dry mouth: These symptoms can result from interrupted breathing patterns during the night, leading to insufficient oxygen intake.
- Mood disturbances and difficulty concentrating: OSA can affect cognitive function, leading to mood swings, irritability, and problems with memory and focus.
Sound familiar? If so, it’s time to get checked out.
What Causes Obstructive Sleep Apnoea?
Now, you might be wondering, “Why me?” The causes of OSA can vary from person to person, but a few factors tend to play a significant role:
- Weight: Carrying extra weight, especially around the neck, can put pressure on your airway, making it easier to collapse while you sleep.
- Anatomy: Some people are born with a narrower airway or other physical traits (like a thick neck or large tonsils) that increase their risk of OSA.
- Age: As we age, our throat muscles naturally weaken, making it easier for the airway to close.
- Lifestyle: Alcohol, smoking, and sedatives can all relax your throat muscles more than usual, increasing the likelihood of an airway blockage.
But don’t worry; not all causes are set in stone. Simple lifestyle changes can significantly reduce your risk.
Why Ignoring Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Is Dangerous
OSA is far more than just an inconvenience. If left untreated, it can lead to significant health complications. The repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep can exert considerable strain on the body over time. Here are some of the most severe risks associated with the condition:
- Cardiovascular complications: OSA is strongly linked to an increased risk of hypertension, heart disease, and stroke.
- Diabetes: Poor sleep quality can contribute to insulin resistance, making it more challenging to regulate blood sugar levels.
- Mental health disorders: Chronic fatigue resulting from OSA can exacerbate conditions such as anxiety and depression.
- Weight gain: OSA can disrupt hormones that regulate hunger and satiety, leading to overeating and weight gain, worsening the condition.
The positive news is that effective treatment of OSA can mitigate these risks, helping you regain control of your health and well-being.
How is Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Diagnosed?
If you suspect you have OSA, the first step is getting a proper diagnosis. This typically involves a sleep study, which can be done in a sleep clinic or from the comfort of your home.
We offer both options to suit your needs:
- In-lab sleep study: This is the most comprehensive option, where you’ll spend the night in a sleep clinic with monitors attached to track your breathing, brain activity, and more.
- At-Home sleep test: If you’d prefer to sleep in your bed, we’ll give you a small device to wear overnight that monitors your breathing and oxygen levels.
Once your results are in, we’ll know what’s going on with your sleep and can figure out the best way to help.
Treating Obstructive Sleep Apnoea: What Are Your Options?
When it comes to treating OSA, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The best treatment for you will depend on the severity of your condition and your personal preferences. But don’t worry—there are plenty of options to choose from.
Here’s a quick rundown of the most common treatments:
- CPAP therapy: This is the gold standard for treating moderate to severe OSA. It involves wearing a mask that delivers a gentle stream of air to keep your airway open while you sleep.
- Oral appliances: For those who can’t tolerate CPAP, an oral appliance (like a mouthguard) can help keep your airway open by adjusting the position of your jaw.
- Lifestyle changes: Losing weight, avoiding alcohol before bed, and quitting smoking can all help reduce the severity of OSA.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be needed to remove excess tissue or reposition parts of your airway to prevent blockages.
We’ll work with you to find the treatment option that’s best suited to your lifestyle and needs.
How We Can Help You Take Control of Your Sleep
At Manse Medical, we specialise in diagnosing and treating obstructive sleep apnoea, offering personalised care every step of the way—from your initial consultation to long-term follow-up. We’ll help you find the solution that works best for you. And with our team of sleep experts guiding you, you’ll finally get restful, uninterrupted sleep.
Don’t Let Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Hold You Back
If you’ve been struggling with symptoms of OSA, now’s the time to take action. Ignoring the problem won’t make it go away—but getting the right treatment can improve your sleep, your health, and your overall quality of life.
Ready to take control of your sleep? Book a consultation with us today and start your journey to better, healthier nights. If you require more information, please call us at 1300-626-730 or email admin@mansemedical.com.au.
