What is Sleep Apnoea?
Sleep apnoea is a serious and often underdiagnosed sleep disorder characterised by irregular breathing during sleep. In Australia, it’s estimated that around one in five adults experience mild obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), while one in 10 may suffer from moderate to severe forms. Without treatment, sleep apnoea can increase the risk of other health complications such as heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, and daytime fatigue.
At Manse Medical, we specialise in the diagnosis and management of sleep apnoea in adults, helping you restore quality rest and improve your overall well-being.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnoea
Recognising the symptoms of sleep apnoea can sometimes be difficult, as many individuals don’t remember the moments when their breathing stops. Common signs to be aware of include:
- Loud snoring, particularly with choking or gasping for air
- Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat
- Excessive daytime sleepiness or fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
- Morning headaches
- Insomnia or difficulty staying asleep
- Irritability or mood swings
- Frequent trips to the bathroom at night
Causes of Sleep Apnoea
Sleep apnoea occurs when the muscles in the back of your throat relax excessively, narrowing or blocking your airways during sleep. There are various types of sleep apnoea, each with different causes:
- Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA): The most common type, where the throat muscles relax excessively, blocking airflow.
- Central sleep apnoea (CSA): This occurs when your brain fails to send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.
- Complex sleep apnoea syndrome: A combination of both OSA and CSA.
Risk factors include being overweight, being over 40, having a family history, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, nasal congestion, and having certain medical conditions.
Diagnostic Tests
At Manse Medical, we take a comprehensive approach to diagnosing sleep apnoea. If your doctor suspects you have sleep apnoea, a sleep study may be required. This study can be performed in the comfort of your home or in a sleep clinic. The common diagnostic tests include:
- Home Sleep Apnoea Testing (HSAT): A convenient and less invasive option where you wear monitoring equipment overnight.
- Polysomnography (PSG): A more detailed in-clinic study for more complex cases, monitoring brain activity, breathing patterns, and oxygen levels during sleep.
These tests provide the data needed to accurately diagnose the severity of your sleep apnoea and identify appropriate treatments.
Complications of Sleep Apnoea
When untreated, sleep apnoea can lead to a variety of severe health problems, such as:
- Cardiovascular issues like high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke
- Type 2 diabetes
- Fatigue-related accidents (e.g., car crashes due to drowsiness)
- Decreased libido or erectile dysfunction
- Poor quality of life, leading to depression or anxiety
- Memory problems and cognitive decline
If you notice any of the symptoms listed above, don’t hesitate to speak with a healthcare professional to discuss treatment options.
Treatments for Sleep Apnoea
Treatment for sleep apnoea is highly individualized and may include:
- Lifestyle Modifications:
- Weight loss, if overweight
- Reducing alcohol intake
- Sleeping on your side to prevent airway obstruction
- Avoiding smoking and sedatives
- Continuous or autotitrating Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): This is the most common and effective treatment for moderate to severe OSA. A CPAP machine uses a hose connected to a CPAP mask to provide a continuous flow of air into your airway to prevent it from collapsing during sleep.
- Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) and Adaptive Servoventilation (ASV): These devices are similar to CPAP, but they can deliver much more complex ventilation, treating very severe obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea.
- Oral Appliances: Custom-made mouthguards that help reposition the lower jaw and tongue to keep the airway open, suitable for mild to moderate OSA.
- Surgery: In some cases where other treatments aren’t successful, surgical options may be considered, such as the removal of excess tissue from the throat or tongue base, or surgery to reposition the jaw.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get rid of sleep apnoea?
While there is no permanent cure for sleep apnoea, treatment can manage symptoms effectively. Many people successfully reduce their symptoms and improve their quality of life with the right therapies.
How do I know if I have sleep apnoea?
If you experience excessive daytime sleepiness, loud snoring, or choking during the night, you might have sleep apnoea. A formal sleep study is necessary to diagnose the condition.
Is sleep apnoea dangerous?
Yes, untreated sleep apnoea can lead to serious health issues, such as heart disease, stroke, and increased risk of accidents. It’s important to seek professional help to manage your condition.
Can sleep apnoea be cured without a CPAP?
In mild cases, lifestyle changes and oral appliances may help. CPAP or BiPAP therapy, however, remains the gold standard treatment for moderate to severe sleep apnoea.
Is sleep apnoea related to snoring?
While snoring can be a symptom of sleep apnoea, not all snorers have sleep apnoea. If your snoring is associated with choking or pauses in breathing, it’s important to see a doctor for evaluation.
Get Help Today
If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of sleep apnoea, contact Manse Medical Respiratory & Sleep Clinic. We are committed to improving your sleep and overall health through expert diagnosis and treatment options tailored to your needs.