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Living With Sleep Apnoea

Coping With the Symptoms of Snoring and Tiredness

Oct 10, 2008

Sleep Apnoea is a condition which affects sleep patterns and habits. It occurs when the sufferer stops breathing at several points during the night.

Sometimes the airway behind the tongue collapses, which stops the natural breathing process. When breathing ceases, the brain senses the danger and wakes the Apnoea sufferer. These episodes are usually not remembered upon waking after a night’s sleep.

Sleep apnoea can leave sufferers feeling exhausted, because of the cycle of waking from sleep which occurs throughout the night. This makes it difficult to concentrate and make decisions, and increases the risk of having a motor vehicle accident. Sleep apnoea may also cause high blood pressure.

Causes of Sleep Apnoea

Certain physical characteristics make it more likely for individuals to snore and develop sleep apnoea, for example:

A blocked nose, caused by congestion, catarrh, nasal polyps or damage to the nose
Having enlarged tonsils
Gender – males are more likely to develop the condition
Age – the elderly are more susceptible
Having low levels of thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism)
The menopause

Contributing Lifestyle Factors

Being overweight is thought to be a factor which increases the chances of developing this condition. This is due to excess fat making the airways more likely to collapse. Alcohol can be a relaxant, which may cause the symptoms. Smoking is also a factor, as it causes inflammation of the nostrils and throat. In addition, allergic reactions can swell the throat and breathing passages, creating conditions conducive to sleep Apnoea.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnoea

Snoring heavily may be an indication of the presence of Sleep Apnoea. It can cause extreme tiredness and sleepiness during the day. Long periods of disturbed sleep have a serious effect on overall wellbeing, leading to confusion, difficulty concentrating, struggling to make decisions, and the onset of feelings of depression.

Diagnosis of Sleep Apnoea

A GP will offer advice to anyone suffering from this condition, and analyse symptoms to determine the cause and make a diagnosis. Referral to an Ear Nose and Throat specialist will help to determine if this condition is present. Sleep clinics are available to analyse patterns and provide an accurate diagnosis, by measuring oxygen levels in the blood, snoring problems and brain waves.

Treatment of Sleep Apnoea

There are several changes which can be made for sufferers to relieve this condition:

Losing weight and making healthy lifestyle changes
Cutting down on alcohol and quitting smoking
Change sleeping position from lying on the back, to on the side
Increase airflow by using only one pillow
Elevate the mattress to place the head at a raised angle to reduce nasal congestion
Reduce allergy risks through the use of antihistamines.
Mouth guards and nasal sprays to increase airflow

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)

CPAP is the best treatment for sleep Apnoea. This is a device which helps breathing while asleep. It consists of a mask which covers the nose and mouth, attached to a pump that maintains air pressure in the throat, stopping it from collapsing. CPAP devices don't use oxygen or oxygen cylinders.

CPAP greatly improves sleep, and helps reduce the associated high blood pressure, which sleep apnoea causes.

Although it may be slightly awkward to use, CPAP can greatly improve quality of life for Apnoea sufferers.

Sources:

The National Health Service online

The British Snoring and Sleep Apnoea Association

The copyright of the article Living With Sleep Apnoea in Sleep Disorders is owned by Jen Syrkiewicz. Permission to republish Living With Sleep Apnoea in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.