What is sleep apnoea?
Sleep apnoea is a serious sleep disorder marked by consistent disruptions in breathing during sleep. These interruptions may range from a few seconds to minutes and happen numerous times throughout the night. The most common type, obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), occurs when the throat muscles relax too much, blocking the airway. Other variations of sleep apnoea include central sleep apnoea (CSA), in which the brain does not effectively communicate with the muscles that control breathing, and complex sleep apnoea, which combines features of both obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and central sleep apnoea (CSA).Consult an Online Doctor in 15 mins
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What is the main cause of sleep apnoea?
Factors contributing to the development of sleep apnoea include:- Obesity: Being overweight can lead to an accumulation of fat around the neck, obstructing the airway.
- Age: As people get older, the probability of sleep apnea escalates due to decreased muscle tone and reduced tissue elasticity.
- Physical characteristics: Structural abnormalities in the throat, jaw, or nasal cavities can increase the risk of airway blockage.
- Lifestyle factors: Alcohol also relaxes throat muscles during sleep, contributing to the risk of sleep apnoea.
What are the symptoms?
Some of the symptoms of sleep apnoea include:- Morning headaches
- Loud snoring
- Poor quality sleep
- Depression and anxiety
- Dry mouth or sore throat
- Poor concentration
- Irritability
- Reduced sex drive
- Fatigue
- Gasping or choking
- Daytime sleepiness
- Night sweats
- Frequently going to the toilet at night
How do you fix sleep apnoea?
To effectively address sleep apnoea, consider these approaches:- Making lifestyle changes: Shedding weight, engaging in regular physical activity, and following a nutritious diet can notably alleviate symptoms.
- Using CPAP therapy: Employing a continuous positive airway pressure machine helps maintain open airways during sleep.
- Utilising oral appliances: Dental devices can adjust the position of the jaw to help keep the airway unobstructed.
- Applying positional therapy: Opting to sleep on your side instead of your back can enhance airflow.
- Considering surgery: Procedures can eliminate surplus tissue or rectify structural issues in the airway.
- Addressing nasal congestion: Treating nasal congestion can enhance airflow.
- Utilising medications: Certain medications may be recommended to help manage symptoms.
- Maintaining a regular sleep schedule: Consistently adhering to sleep patterns can assist in regulating sleep quality.