What is sleep apnoea?
Sleep apnoea is a condition that causes you to repeatedly stop breathing for short periods of time during sleep. Each pause in breathing lasts for at least 10 seconds but can continue for over a minute. If you have sleep apnoea you will often experience symptoms such as excessive daytime sleepiness and restless sleep. You also stand a higher chance of snoring.
Causes
Their are 3 main types of sleep apnoea – Obstructive, Central and Mixed. Each type of sleep apnoea has a particular set of risk factors. If you have one or more of those risk factors, you are more likely to develop that type of sleep apnoea.
Also in this section: Causes of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea, Causes of Central Sleep Apnoea, Causes of Mixed Sleep Apnoea, Snoring and Nasal Obstruction.
Symptoms
If you have sleep apnoea you are likely to experience several distressing and disruptive symptoms. These symptoms vary in severity and can happen during the night-time, daytime or when you first wake up in the morning.
Also in this section: Symptoms checker, Night-time symptoms, Morning symptoms, Daytime symptoms.
Complications
It is easy to spot the external signs of sleep apnoea, such as excessive daytime sleepiness and lack of energy. Unfortunately people do not realise how much of a detrimental effect sleep apnoea can have on their internal organs. Commonly affected organs include the heart, brain, liver and kidneys.
Also in this section: Heart and blood vessel disease, Diabetes and metabolic syndrome, Frequent urination at night, Eye disease, Chronic kidney disease, Fatty liver disease, Depression, Loss of libido, Driving.
Getting tested
If your doctor suspects you have sleep apnoea, you will be referred to a sleep centre for an overnight sleep study. Your levels of daytime sleepiness will also be estimated using a questionnaire and occasionally a practical test. These tests will help to diagnose your sleep disorder and assess its severity.
Also in this section: Overnight oximetry, Semi-polysomnography, Full polysomnography, Questionnaires for daytime sleepiness, Tests for daytime sleepiness, How bad is your sleep apnoea?.
Treatments
All treatments for Obstructive or Central Sleep Apnoea aim to eliminate most apnoeas, reduce snoring and daytime sleepiness and give you a refreshing night’s sleep. Most importantly, they are designed to increase your lifespan and quality of life.
Also in this section: Treatments for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea, Surgery for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea, Treatments for Central Sleep Apnoea, Tips on getting a good night’s sleep, Weight loss.
CPAP therapy
CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. It is the main treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea – a condition that causes your airways to close repeatedly during sleep, blocking the passage of air to your lungs. A CPAP machine provides pressurised air to hold your airways open, allowing you to gain a refreshing sleep.
Also in this section: What is a CPAP machine?, CPAP masks, Maintaining CPAP equipment, Health benefits of CPAP, The CPAP way of life.
