Sleep Apnoea
- Mark Dobson
- 14 hours ago
- 3 min read
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a serious medical condition that often goes undiagnosed. If you have a bed partner ask them to assess you for possible symptoms.
Up to 85% of people with sleep apnoea in the UK remain undiagnosed and untreated. Estimates suggest that while approximately 1.5 million adults suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA), only around 330,000 are currently receiving treatment, leaving nearly 1.2 million cases unidentified.
There are two types of breathing interruption characteristic of OSA:
Apnoea – This is when the muscles and soft tissues in the throat relax and collapse sufficiently to cause a total blockage of the airway; it’s called an apnoea when the airflow is blocked for 10 seconds or more,
Hypopnoea – This is a partial blockage of the airway that results in an airflow reduction of greater than 50% for 10 seconds or more.
These episodes of Apnoea and Hypopnoea can be experienced throughout the night, and in some severe cases, occurring once every one-two minutes.
The lack of oxygen experienced in OSA leads to:
High blood pressure leading to stroke, heart disease and heart attack, atrial fibrillation, type two diabetes, depression, and mood changes.
Excessive daytime sleepiness may lead to accidents to self and others.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnoea include:
Snoring (the upper airway maybe restricted during sleep, note, alcohol increases the collapsibility of the upper airway thus exacerbating the condition. Try sleeping on one side and then the other to see if the snoring stops, or reduces. Sleeping on your back exacerbates OSA. Snoring can be a strain on relationships!!
Waking up chocking or gasping (the result is usually an abrupt disturbance to sleep or an actual awakening, often accompanied by gasping or choking).
Unrefreshed Sleep (this is when we could go back to sleep within half an hour of waking up). It is caused by interruptions in the airway leading to more arousal during the night reducing our restorative sleep.
Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (this can negatively affect cognition, daytime functioning, mood, and other aspects of well-being).
Morning Headaches (caused by an increase in carbon dioxide levels in the blood stream due to OSA)
Nocturnal Sweating (higher cortisol levels in the blood required to awaken us up during periods of stopped breathing raising our body temperature).
STOP BANG
The STOP-BANG score is a validated, 8-question screening tool used to assess a person's risk of having Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA).
Snoring: This question assesses whether or not you snore loudly enough to bother a bed partner.
Tiredness: This symptom involves feeling daytime tiredness, which may include falling asleep during daily tasks.
Observed Apnoea: If a sleep partner has noticed that you stop breathing or gasp for air as you sleep, this can be a sign of OSA.
Pressure: High blood pressure is also a symptom.
BMI: Obese (30.0–39.9): Significantly increased risk. Obesity is a primary driver of OSA.
Age: Those who are older than 50 are at higher risk for OSA.
Neck Circumference: Physicians measure your neck circumference. A measurement greater than 16 inches is considered a risk factor.
Gender: Males are considered to be more likely to have OSA.
Contact me to arrange for a private home study for the assessment of SDB and then help with the treatment options either private or through the NHS.
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