Jun
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnoea?
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea is when your airway closes during your sleep. This causes you to stop breathing, making your brain change the sleep stages. These micro-arousals, caused by the apneas, often go completely unnoticed by the person despite occurring up to 400 times a night, although partners or roommates are more likely to notice the splutter or loud snoring noise associated with them. It is the symptoms of Sleep Apnoea, more than the events themselves, that provide the clues about your condition.
Key Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea:
- Gasping or choking during sleep
- Snoring
- Feeling excessively tired during the day
- Anxiety
- Depression
- High Blood Pressure
- Lack of interest in sex
- Irritability and a short temper
- Poor memory and concentration
- Frequent toilet visits during the night
- Headaches (particularly in the morning)
Statistics of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
OSA is more common in men than women, especially obese men who snore. Seniors are more likely to develop the condition – as are people with hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. With the increasing age and obesity, the numbers of OSA cases is expected to increase in coming years.
The majority of OSA cases are undiagnosed but experts estimate that 10% of global population in adults have the disorder. Only a small number have been diagnosed and treated.
When the condition is not treated, people do not get the restorative sleep the body requires. Plus, there are consequences such as increased road traffic accident rates, cardiovascular events, and strokes.
- 40% increased excessive daytime sleepiness
- 2 times more traffic accidents per mile
- 3 times greater risk of occupational accidents
- 40% increased risk of depression
- 1.3 to 2.5 times more hypertension
- 1.6 times increased chance of stroke
- 1.4 to 2.3 times greater risk of heart attack
- 2.2 times higher risk of nocturnal cardiac arrhythmia
- 3.9 times more likely to have congestive heart failure
CPAP Improves Sleep Apnoea Dramatically
Most people receiving CPAP treatment experience a dramatic improvement in their health and quality of life, and their health care costs return to normal levels. They showed significant improvements in driving, daytime sleepiness, cognitive performance, and mood. Also, work absenteeism was reduced.
If you snore loudly and show other signs of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea, it is time to take an In-Home Sleep Test as the first step toward getting treatment.
Disclaimer: This blog post provides a general overview of medical conditions and potential treatments. It is not intended as medical advice. For personalized medical guidance, please consult your healthcare professional.