Signs You May Have Sleep Apnoea and How to Treat It

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Sleep apnoea is a common yet often undiagnosed sleep disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when there is a pause in breathing or shallow breathing during sleep, which can lead to a restless and unrefreshed night’s sleep. If left untreated, sleep apnoea can have serious consequences on your overall health and well-being. In this blog post, we will discuss the signs you may have sleep apnoea and how to treat it.

Signs You May Have Sleep Apnoea:

1. Loud and Frequent Snoring: Snoring is a common occurrence during sleep, but it can also be a sign of sleep apnoea. People with sleep apnoea tend to snore loudly and frequently, with pauses in between. This is because the airway becomes blocked during sleep, causing the snoring sound.

2. Daytime Fatigue: One of the most common signs of sleep apnoea is feeling excessively tired during the day, even after a full night’s sleep. This is because the lack of quality sleep due to sleep apnoea can lead to daytime fatigue and drowsiness.

3. Waking Up Gasping or Choking: People with sleep apnoea may experience brief pauses in breathing during sleep, followed by gasping or choking sensations. These episodes can be alarming and disruptive to sleep.

4. Morning Headaches: Headaches in the morning can be a sign of sleep apnoea. The lack of oxygen during sleep can cause blood vessels in the brain to widen, leading to headaches upon waking up.

5. Irritability and Mood Changes: The interrupted sleep caused by sleep apnoea can also lead to mood changes and irritability. People with sleep apnoea may feel moody, irritable, and have difficulty concentrating during the day.

6. High Blood Pressure: Sleep apnoea has been linked to an increased risk of developing high blood pressure. This is because the pauses in breathing during sleep can put a strain on the cardiovascular system, leading to higher blood pressure levels.

Signs You May Have Sleep Apnoea and How to Treat It

7. Nighttime Urination: Waking up frequently during the night to urinate can also be a sign of sleep apnoea. The disruptions in sleep can cause the body to release excess fluids, leading to frequent trips to the bathroom.

How to Treat Sleep Apnoea:

1. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Therapy: CPAP therapy is the most common and effective treatment for sleep apnoea. It involves wearing a mask over the nose and mouth while sleeping, which delivers a continuous flow of air to keep the airway open.

2. Oral Appliance Therapy: This involves wearing a custom-made oral appliance that helps keep the airway open during sleep. It is a less invasive treatment option and can be beneficial for people with mild to moderate sleep apnoea.

3. Lifestyle Changes: Making certain lifestyle changes can also help alleviate the symptoms of sleep apnoea. This includes maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bedtime, and sleeping on your side instead of your back.

4. Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be recommended to treat sleep apnoea. This involves removing excess tissue from the back of the throat or correcting structural issues in the nose or jaw.

5. Positional Therapy: People with sleep apnoea may benefit from positional therapy, which involves wearing a device that keeps you sleeping on your side instead of your back. This can help keep the airway open and prevent pauses in breathing.

In conclusion, sleep apnoea is a common sleep disorder that can have serious consequences on your health and well-being if left untreated. If you experience any of the signs mentioned above, it is essential to consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. With proper treatment and lifestyle changes, sleep apnoea can be managed effectively, leading to better sleep and improved overall health.

Summary:

Sleep apnoea is a common yet often undiagnosed sleep disorder that occurs when there is a pause in breathing or shallow breathing during sleep. Signs of sleep apnoea include loud and frequent snoring, daytime fatigue, waking up gasping or choking, morning headaches, irritability, high blood pressure, and nighttime urination. Treatment options include CPAP therapy, oral appliance therapy, lifestyle changes, surgery, and positional therapy. It is essential to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment to manage sleep apnoea effectively.