Sleep apnoea may sound like a fancy sleepover game, but it’s anything but fun–it’s a serious ailment that can rob you of restful sleep and leave you feeling drained and exhausted during the day. Imagine you are comfortable in bed, yet your breathing keeps fluctuating, making you snore, or wake up feeling even more tired. It's a frustrating and irritating experience that affects around 1 in 4 Australian men over the age of 40 years. Let’s delve into the reality of sleep apnoea and learn how to banish it from your life for good. 

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). 

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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 
If you suspect that you have sleep apnoea, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional for an assessment and potential treatment options. 

How do you fix sleep apnoea?

To effectively address sleep apnoea, consider these approaches: 
  1. Making lifestyle changes: Shedding weight, engaging in regular physical activity, and following a nutritious diet can notably alleviate symptoms. 
  2. Using CPAP therapy: Employing a continuous positive airway pressure machine helps maintain open airways during sleep. 
  3. Utilising oral appliances: Dental devices can adjust the position of the jaw to help keep the airway unobstructed. 
  4. Applying positional therapy: Opting to sleep on your side instead of your back can enhance airflow. 
  5. Considering surgery: Procedures can eliminate surplus tissue or rectify structural issues in the airway. 
  6. Addressing nasal congestion: Treating nasal congestion can enhance airflow. 
  7. Utilising medications: Certain medications may be recommended to help manage symptoms. 
  8. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule: Consistently adhering to sleep patterns can assist in regulating sleep quality. 

How serious is sleep apnoea?

Sleep apnoea is a dangerous illness that can cause a variety of health issues, including cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and an increased risk of stroke. It reduces sleep quality, causing daytime weariness, irritation, and poor cognitive performance. Sleep apnoea, if left untreated, can have a substantial impact on overall health and quality of life. Seeking the proper diagnosis and treatment is critical.  

How does sleep apnoea affect my body?

Sleep apnoea has a variety of effects on the body, the most prominent of which is the disruption of regular sleep patterns. It can cause oxygen deprivation, resulting in weariness, trouble concentrating, and irritation. Over time, it increases the likelihood of significant health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Furthermore, irregular sleep can deplete the immune system and impair general health.  

When to consult a doctor?

Consult a doctor if you have recurrent sleep apnoea symptoms such as loud snoring, gasping for breath while sleeping, severe daytime tiredness, or problems focusing. It is particularly critical to get medical attention if you experience mood swings, increased irritability, or have a history of cardiovascular problems. Early identification and treatment might assist to avoid major problems.  

How can Hola help?

Hola Health provides personalized assistance to individuals dealing with sleep apnoea through its Mental Health Care Plan. This involves individualized meetings with medical professionals who can assist in creating effective coping mechanisms and treatment options. By addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of sleep apnoea, Hola Health aims to enhance overall well-being and quality of life. 

In conclusion

In the quest for a good night’s sleep, sleep apnoea doesn’t have to be the villain that steals your restful nights. By understanding what it is and examining treatment alternatives–from lifestyle adjustments to effective tools like CPAP machines–you can shift your nighttime rest from a struggle to a rejuvenating experience. Consider it as taking charge of your sleep journey! So, let’s send sleep apnoea to the depths of forgotten nightmares and welcome the restful nights we all deserve. Sweet dreams are waiting–let’s chase them!   

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Disclaimer

This content is created for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. For emergencies please immediately contact 000.