Do you suffer from sleep apnoea or think you might have it? Learn about the symptoms, causes, and treatments in this comprehensive guide.
Sleep apnoea is a common sleep disorder that can have serious health consequences if left untreated. In this complete guide, you’ll discover the symptoms of sleep apnoea, possible causes, and available treatments to help you sleep better at night.
What is sleep apnoea?
Sleep apnoea is a sleep disorder characterised by repeated breathing pauses during sleep. These pauses can last from a few seconds to over a minute and may occur several times per hour. People with sleep apnoea may struggle to breathe while sleeping, leading to poor sleep quality and long-term health problems.
The symptoms of sleep apnoea.
The symptoms of sleep apnoea can vary from person to person, but the most common ones include loud, regular snoring, breathing pauses during sleep, gasping for air while sleeping, excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, irritability and mood changes, reduced libido, and issues with concentration and memory. If you experience these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
The causes of sleep apnea.
Sleep apnoea can be caused by several factors, including obesity, narrow airways, family history, smoking, alcohol and sedative use, as well as certain conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Understanding the causes of sleep apnoea is essential to taking steps to prevent or effectively treat it.
There are several treatments for sleep apnoea, depending on the severity of the condition and individual risk factors. Treatment options include lifestyle changes such as weight loss, quitting smoking, and reducing alcohol and sedative intake. Medical devices like CPAP masks (continuous positive airway pressure) can also be used to keep the airways open during sleep. In severe cases, surgery may be required to enlarge the airways.
Sometimes, treatment involves equipping the sleeper with a device to place in the mouth during sleep. The mandibular advancement device (MAD) is a dental appliance that moves the lower jaw forward and helps address sleep apnoea. The term “mandibular advancement” is used because it shifts the lower jaw forward.
The goal of mandibular advancement is to improve breathing by increasing the size of the airways and reducing the contact between the soft palate (which hangs at the back of the throat) and the back of the tongue during sleep. If you suffer from sleep apnoea, this type of device can help keep your airways open so you can breathe more easily while you sleep.
Mandibular advancement devices are used to treat mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea in adults who do not respond well to other treatments (such as CPAP). They are also used to treat severe obstructive sleep apnoea in adults who do not respond well to other treatments (such as oral appliance therapy).
It is important to consult a healthcare professional to determine the best treatment for your individual case.
If you suffer from sleep apnoea or are simply looking to improve your sleep quality, there are several simple tips you can follow. First, try to maintain a regular sleep routine by going to bed and waking up at the same time every day. Also, avoid stimulants such as caffeine and alcohol before bedtime. Make sure your bedroom is quiet, dark, and cool to encourage restorative sleep. Finally, try to reduce stress by practising relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga.
Sleep apnoea is a condition where breathing temporarily stops during sleep. It can be caused by various factors, such as obesity, enlarged tonsils and adenoids, and certain medical conditions. Stress can also play a role in sleep apnoea.
Stress and Sleep Apnoea
Sleep apnoea occurs when the soft tissues of the throat collapse or block the airways during sleep. This causes a temporary pause in breathing for periods of 10 seconds or more, which wakes you up. Sleep apnoea can lead to other problems such as depression, heart disease, weight gain, and diabetes.
Sleep apnoea is more common in men than in women, although overweight women are also at risk of developing this condition. The risk of developing sleep apnoea also increases with age; around half of people over the age of 65 suffer from some form of sleep apnoea. People who snore loudly should ask their doctor to test them for sleep apnoea, as they may not realise they have it.
