Overview
Sleep apnoea (sometimes spelt “apnea”) is a common condition in which your breathing stops and starts repeatedly as you sleep. These pauses can often go unnoticed, but they can have a real impact on your health, energy, and quality of life. Luckily, sleep apnoea is manageable, and there are effective treatments that can help you sleep better and improve your quality of life.
What is Sleep Apnoea?
Sleep apnoea is a sleep disorder that causes interrupted breathing while you sleep. The most common type is obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), where the muscles in the throat relax too much and block the airway. Much less common is central sleep apnoea, which happens when the brain doesn’t send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.
These breathing interruptions can happen dozens, sometimes hundreds of times a night, often without you even realising. Over time, this can lead to fatigue, mood changes, and increased risk of health conditions like high blood pressure or heart disease.
What Are The Symptoms of Sleep Apnoea?
It’s not always easy to spot sleep apnoea yourself. Many people only become aware of the problem because a partner or housemate notices the signs first. That said, there are several common symptoms you might experience:
- Loud snoring (often reported by a partner)
- Gasping, choking, or snorting during sleep
- Waking up feeling unrefreshed, even after a full night’s sleep
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty concentrating during the day
- Irritability or low mood
- Excessive daytime sleepiness (you may find yourself dozing off or needing naps during the day)
With central sleep apnoea, the symptoms can be more subtle but may include:
- Shortness of breath that wakes you from sleep
- Irregular breathing patterns at night
- Insomnia or fragmented sleep
If these symptoms sound familiar, a sleep test may help you get the clarity you need.
Causes of Sleep Apnoea
A variety of factors can cause sleep apnoea – some related to health conditions, others to lifestyle. Understanding the cause can help guide your treatment options.
Condition-related causes:
- Obesity or being overweight (extra weight can narrow the airway)
- Enlarged tonsils or adenoids
- Nasal congestion or obstruction
- Certain genetic conditions (e.g., Down syndrome)
- Hormonal disorders like hypothyroidism or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Lifestyle-related causes:
- Alcohol (especially in the evening)
- Smoking
- Sleeping on your back
- Sedative medications or muscle relaxants
How is Sleep Apnoea Diagnosed?
If you or someone close to you suspects sleep apnoea, your doctor may recommend a sleep test, which is usually done at home. The test is harmless, requiring you to wear a simple monitoring device overnight that measures your breathing and oxygen levels.
After testing, you’ll receive a sleep apnoea score based on how many breathing interruptions you experience per hour. From there, you and your doctor can discuss the best sleep apnoea treatment.
What Sleep Apnoea Treatments are There?
The treatment for sleep apnoea depends on how severe your condition is and what’s causing it. Some of the options available are:
- Lifestyle changes – Losing weight, avoiding alcohol, quitting smoking, or adjusting your sleeping position.
- CPAP machine – Wearing a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine keeps your airway open during sleep by delivering a gentle stream of air. This is usually the most common and effective treatment.
- Oral devices – Custom-made mouthguards to keep your airway open (although not as effective as CPAP).
In rare cases, you may be referred to another specialist to consider surgical options.
Treating Sleep Apnoea at Home
Though it’s important to follow your doctor’s treatment recommendations, many patients with sleep apnoea are reluctant to use a CPAP machine or oral mouthguards. To help treat sleep apnoa at home, there are a few changes you can make.
- Change your sleep position: Try sleeping on your side. Some people sew a tennis ball into the back of their pyjama top to stop themselves from rolling onto their back.
- Use a bed wedge pillow: Elevating your upper body can help keep your airway open at night.
- Lose weight if needed: Even a small reduction in weight can lead to noticeable improvements.
- Avoid alcohol and sedatives: These relax throat muscles and increase the risk of obstruction.
- Maintain a regular sleep routine: Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day can improve overall sleep quality.
Why Go Private with Mid Ulster Clinic For Your Sleep Apnoea Treatment?
Choosing Mid Ulster Clinic for your sleep apnoea treatment and concerns means prioritising your health and peace of mind. Here’s what you can expect:
- Faster access to expert care
- Tailored treatment plans
- Experienced, friendly specialists
- Convenient appointments
- Ongoing support
If sleep apnoea is affecting your life, book an appointment with our team and take the first step towards better sleep.
- Medically Reviewed
