An Explanation of Sleep Apneoa, its causes and treatments

Explanation of Sleep Apnoea

1. Sleep Apnoea

2. Sleep apnoea is a common sleep disorder in which a person's breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep.. There are a couple of types of sleep apnoea, but the most common is obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). This occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat fail to keep the airway open, despite the effort to breathe. Another type is central sleep apnoea, which occurs when the brain fails to send the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. Symptoms of sleep apnoea include loud snoring, gasping for air during sleep, waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat, and excessive daytime sleepiness. If you think you may have sleep apnoea, it is important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment. AHI is the measure of apnoea-hypopnea and it is the number of times you stop breathing (Apnoea) or reduce to 10% of normal breathing (Hypopnea) in 1 hour. 5 or less is ideal but can go to over 100 which is very severe. In conclusion, sleep apnoea is a serious condition that can have significant health consequences if left untreated. If you think you may have sleep apnoea, it is important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Sleep Apnoea: What is it?

3. Obesity. A large neck circumference, A narrow airway, Chronic nasal congestion, Smoking, Alcohol use. A family history of sleep apnoea. Age and gender can also play a role, with sleep apnoea being more common in older adults and men. However, it is important to note that sleep apnoea can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or other risk factors. Sleep Apnoea Some common risk factors for sleep apnoea :

4. Excessive tiredness can be an indication of sleep apnoea as you are constantly being disturbed during sleep when you stop breathing. Epworth Sleepiness Scale: a questionnaire on how likely you are to fall asleep, which can be an indication of sleep apnoea. Sleep apnoea is typically diagnosed through a sleep study, which can be conducted either at a sleep centre or at home. During a sleep study, various sensors are attached to the body to monitor breathing, heart rate, oxygen levels, and other factors while the person sleeps. The data collected during the sleep study is then analysed to determine whether the person has sleep apnoea and, if so, the severity of the condition. In some cases, a doctor may also use other tests or exams to diagnose sleep apnoea, such as a physical examination of the throat, nose, and mouth, or imaging tests such as a CT scan or MRI. It is important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis if you suspect you may have sleep apnoea. Sleep Apnoea: How is it diagnosed?

5. Untreated sleep apnoea can have serious health risks. It can increase the risk of several health problems, including: - High blood pressure: Sleep apnoea can cause sudden drops in blood oxygen levels, which can increase blood pressure and strain the cardiovascular system. - Heart disease: People with sleep apnoea are at higher risk of heart attack, irregular heartbeat, and stroke. - Type 2 diabetes: Sleep apnoea is associated with an increased risk of developing insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. - Depression: Sleep apnoea can affect mental health, leading to an increased risk of depression. - Liver problems: Sleep apnoea has been linked to abnormal liver function and liver scarring. It is important to seek treatment for sleep apnoea to reduce the risk of these and other associated health problems. Sleep Apnoea What are the impacts on health?

6. There are several treatment options available for sleep apnoea, depending on the severity of the condition and the individual needs of the patient. Some common treatment options include: - Lifestyle changes : For mild cases of sleep apnoea, lifestyle changes such as losing weight, avoiding alcohol, quitting smoking, and sleeping on your side can help improve symptoms. - Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): This is a common treatment for moderate to severe sleep apnoea. A CPAP machine delivers a steady stream of air through a mask to help keep the airway open during sleep. - Oral appliances: These are custom-made devices that fit in the mouth and help keep the airway open during sleep. They are typically used for mild to moderate sleep apnoea. - Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be recommended to remove excess tissue from the throat or to correct structural abnormalities that contribute to sleep apnoea. It is important to work with a doctor to determine the best treatment option for your individual needs. Sleep Apnoea How is Sleep Apnoea treated?

7. A Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine is a common treatment for moderate to severe sleep apnoea. It works by delivering a steady stream of air through a mask that is worn over the nose and/or mouth during sleep. The air pressure helps to keep the airway open, preventing the pauses in breathing that are characteristic of sleep apnoea. CPAP therapy can be highly effective in reducing the symptoms of sleep apnoea, including snoring and daytime sleepiness. It can also improve overall sleep quality and reduce the risk of associated health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. However, some people may find it difficult to adjust to using a CPAP machine, and it may take some time to find the right mask and air pressure settings that are comfortable and effective. It is important to work closely with a doctor or sleep specialist to ensure that the CPAP therapy is properly tailored to your individual needs. And what is a CPAP Machine What is CPAP?

8. CPAP therapy is typically a long-term treatment for sleep apnoea. If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnoea and prescribed a CPAP machine, you will likely need to use it every night while you sleep to manage your symptoms effectively. It is important to use the CPAP machine as directed by your doctor, as regular use can help reduce the risk of associated health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. It is also important to note that sleep apnoea is a chronic condition, and while CPAP therapy can help manage the symptoms, it does not cure the underlying condition. If you stop using the CPAP machine, your sleep apnoea symptoms are likely to return. It is important to work closely with your doctor to manage your sleep apnoea and to discuss any changes to your treatment plan. CPAP

9. While CPAP therapy can be highly effective in treating sleep apnoea, some people may experience side effects from using a CPAP machine. These can include: - Dry mouth or nose: The flow of air from the CPAP machine can dry out the mouth and nose, causing discomfort. This can often be alleviated by using a humidifier with the CPAP machine or by using a nasal saline spray. - Skin irritation: The mask or straps of the CPAP machine can sometimes cause skin irritation or pressure sores. This can often be prevented by ensuring that the mask fits properly and by using a mask with a soft lining. - Difficulty falling asleep: Some people may find it difficult to fall asleep while wearing the CPAP mask or with the air pressure from the machine. This can often be improved by using a ramp feature, which gradually increases the air pressure over time, allowing the person to fall asleep more easily. - Stomach discomfort: In some cases, the air pressure from the CPAP machine can cause stomach discomfort or bloating. This can often be improved by adjusting the air pressure settings or by using a different type of mask. It is important to discuss any side effects with your doctor or sleep specialist, as they may be able to adjust the settings of the CPAP machine or recommend other solutions to improve your comfort and compliance with the therapy. Disadvantages of CPAP