Sleep apnoea interrupts breathing during sleep; it is a form of sleep disordered breathing. It is fairly common, with approximately 2-4% of the population experiencing symptoms. That may appear to be a small number, however, up to 50% of men and 23% of women aged 40 to 85 years of age have moderate to severe OSA, defined as 15 or more breathing disturbances per hour of sleep1 (Heinzer)
Some frequent complaints of sleep apnoea sufferers include loud snoring, waking feeling unrefreshed, often with a dry mouth, sore throat or headache in the morning and then experience sleepiness or fatigue while awake, often towards the afternoon. A feeling of fogginess may persist throughout the day, much like the sensation of a hangover. Being overweight is one of the greatest risk factors and the estimated prevalence of OSA has increased by 14% to 55% over the past two decades2(Young), partly due to increased awareness of the ongoing obesity epidemic and sedentary lifestyles.
The repetitive interruptions in breathing cause sleep fragmentation associated with hypoxia and provoke overnight hypertension, leading to atrial fibrillation (AF), myocardial infarction (MI) and sudden death. (Davies)
There is an extensive range of symptoms and serious adverse health outcomes if apnoea is untreated.
- Daytime sleepiness.
- Decreased concentration.
- Fatigue, irritability and memory loss.
- Reduced quality of life.
- Increased risk of motor vehicle accidents.
- Cardiovascular disease.
- Metabolic disorders.
- Cognitive impairment.
- Depression.
- Cancer.
- Other symptoms may include impotence, reduced libido, excessive perspiration during sleep and increased frequency of urination at night.
1 in 4 Australians are at risk of having OSA (Adams), yet 80% are undiagnosed. This is an alarming figure given the burden of health expenditure and loss of productivity. It is a dangerous medical condition that disrupts a person’s sleep and affects concentration and performance with increased risk of accidents.
OSA is strongly linked to being overweight, particularly in men with large necks or stomachs. In those people who are not overweight, OSA is likely to be caused by anatomical factors such as narrow airway or recessive lower jaw. In women, the incidence of OSA particularly increases after menopause. In certain ethnic groups such as those of an Asian background, it is more linked to facial structure than obesity.
Why treat obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA)
OSA is an independent risk factor for atrial fibrillation and more than triples the risk of stroke in AF patients, over and above other established risk predictors (Yaranov and Gami). Up to 80% of AF patients have OSA (Braga). Insert here Wisconsin reference three fold risk of death in untreated severe OSA.
What does this mean to you, the patient?
If you think you have sleep apnoea or even chronic snoring, please call us for an assessment. If you already have diabetes or hypertension and do not have restful sleep, or suffer excessive daytime sleepiness, start asking your GP about sleep apnoea. Often, the General Practitioner has limited time and resources and sleep may not be addressed. We are happy to work with your GP and or specialist physician and provide a triage service for your Doctor.
If you are currently being treated with CPAP sleep apnoea and not able to use your treatment or have had a sleep study and recently diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnoea, please contact us now.
Ready to take our Online Sleep Assessment?
Make an appointment
"*" indicates required fields