Sleep Apnoea

What is Sleep Apnoea?

Sleep Apnoea is a common sleep disorder in which a person repeatedly experiences pauses in breathing or very shallow breathing during sleep. These pauses typically last 10 seconds or longer and can occur dozens or even hundreds of times per night. This condition not only disrupts sleep quality but can also lead to serious health consequences.

Sleep apnoea is mainly divided into three types:

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)
The most common type, caused by partial or complete blockage of the upper airway.
Central Sleep Apnoea (CSA)
Less common; occurs when the brain fails to properly control breathing.
Mixed Sleep Apnoea
A combination of obstructive and central types.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnoea
Symptoms can appear both at night and during the day:

Night-time symptoms:

Loud, irregular snoring (often suddenly interrupted by choking or gasping sounds)
Observed breathing pauses during sleep (usually noticed by a partner)
Frequent waking during the night
Needing to urinate frequently at night (nocturia)
Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking (due to mouth breathing)

Daytime symptoms:

Excessive daytime sleepiness or fatigue
Difficulty concentrating, poor memory, or slow reactions
Morning headaches
Mood changes such as irritability, anxiety, or depression

Risks and Complications

If left untreated, sleep apnoea can lead to serious health problems, including:

Cardiovascular diseases – increased risk of high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, arrhythmias, and stroke
Type 2 diabetes – linked to insulin resistance
Obesity – poor sleep affects hormones that regulate weight, creating a vicious cycle
Mental health issues – depression, anxiety, and memory problems
Higher risk of accidents – due to daytime drowsiness while driving or operating machinery

Causes and Risk Factors

Causes:

Narrow upper airway (e.g., large tongue or enlarged tonsils)
Excessive relaxation of throat muscles during sleep, causing airway collapse
Poor brain control of breathing (in central sleep apnoea)

Risk factors:

Obesity (fat deposits around the neck compress the airway)
Older age
Male gender
Smoking and alcohol use
Family history

Diagnosis

Diagnosis requires professional sleep testing:

Polysomnography (PSG) – Full overnight sleep study in a sleep laboratory monitoring brain waves, muscle activity, heart rate, oxygen levels, and breathing patterns.
Home Sleep Test (HST) – A simplified portable device used at home.
Medical history and physical examination – Assessing symptoms, snoring, and checking for enlarged tonsils or nasal obstruction.

Treatment Options

The goal is to keep the airway open and improve sleep quality:

Lifestyle changes
- Weight loss
- Sleeping on your side instead of your back
- Quitting smoking and alcohol
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
The gold standard for OSA – delivers constant air pressure through a mask to keep the airway open.
Oral appliances
Custom-made devices that reposition the lower jaw or tongue forward; suitable for mild to moderate cases.
Surgery (for structural problems)
- Tonsillectomy (removal of enlarged tonsils)
- Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) – removes excess tissue in the throat
- Septoplasty – corrects a deviated nasal septum
Other treatments
- Hypoglossal nerve stimulation devices
- Medications (mainly for central sleep apnoea)

Prevention and Management

Maintain a healthy weight (losing just 10% of body weight can reduce airway obstruction by up to 50%)
Establish good sleep habits and a regular sleep schedule
Regular check-ups, especially if you snore loudly or feel excessively sleepy during the day
Keep bedroom air clean and free from allergens

Honser Medical Centre provides comprehensive sleep apnoea diagnosis and treatment services, including:

Professional overnight polysomnography and home sleep testing
Personalised CPAP guidance and support
Surgical treatment and post-operative care
Lifestyle and management advice

For more information or to book an appointment, please call or contact us via WhatsApp.