Sleep Apnoea Treatment

Your partner snoring in bed next to you during the night is the last thing you want and one of the types of snoring has a name which is called sleep apnoea – so just what are the causes of this and what treatments can you apply to alleviate it and get a good night’s sleep ?

Sleep apnoea is one of the most common forms of sleep disorders. Although it may seem dangerous, it’s actually easily diagnosed and cured.

What is sleep apnoea disorder?

Sleep apnoea disorder is a sleeping disorder that causes the patient to momentarily stop breathing.

Our breathing is dependent on throat muscles, which ensure a steady flow of air in and out of the lungs. When we sleep, these muscles relax, but our airways are still wide enough for us to breathe properly. However, some people have airways that become excessively narrow when they sleep. When their throat muscles relax, the airway become partially or completely closed. Their breathing becomes difficult, and they often snore.

Due to narrow airways, some people stop breathing completely for a few seconds. Medical experts and scientists are unsure as to why this happens. These instances, when breathing stops completely, are referred to as sleep apnoeic events. When their breathing stops, people become slightly aware of this, and struggle to start breathing again. As a result of this, they often choke, or snort.

After such an event, most people fall into a very light sleep again. Most people with sleep apnoea disorder suffer from multiple sleep apnoeic events each night.

What are the effects of sleep apnoea disorder

People who suffer from sleep apnoea disorder have trouble sleeping properly, and as a result they suffer from the troubles of insufficient sleep. This includes being excessively tired during the day. In addition, they may suffer from a condition known as hypoxia, due to the fact that blood oxygen levels drop drastically during a sleep apnoea event.

Sleep apnoea increases the risk of developing cardiac problems, diabetes, hypertension and other stress-related problems. Many people suffering from sleep apnoea also have low alertness and poor concentration during the day. Additionally, patients often have bouts of brief sleep during the day: this can pose a huge risk, since patients can fall asleep while driving.

Symptoms of sleep apnoea

Many people who suffer from sleep apnoea don’t even realise it. Because these events happen during their sleep, they may not recall the events once they’re awake. Often, such symptoms must be recognised by someone else, and pointed out to the patient.

Common symptoms of sleep apnoea are loud snoring, tiredness after waking, falling asleep suddenly and briefly during the day and problems in concentration.

Diagnosing sleep apnoea

Although it’s possible to recognise sleep apnoea by identifying the symptoms, the final diagnosis must be left to a doctor. If you believe that you, or someone close to you is suffering from sleep apnoea, it’s important to visit a doctor and describe the symptoms.

In such circumstances, a doctor will probably start by examining the patient’s throat and mouth for any growths. If nothing is found, the doctor will suggest that the patient take a test to identify sleep apnoea called the polysomnogram (or PSG). The PSG records body activity while you sleep, including brain waves, heart rate, breathing, muscular activity, and so forth.

Sleep apnoea is becoming a more common problem these days because more and more people are suffering from stress and an unhealthy lifestyle, both of which have been identified as possible causes of sleep apnoea disorder. The common cures for sleep apnoea that a doctor will prescribe include anti-snoring devices, and suggestions for a better and healthier lifestyle.