Obstructive Sleep Apnea  [ Return to  About Sleep Apnea  ]

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnoea?

 

How is it diagnosed?

 

What should I do next?

 

What is CPAP and how does it work?

 

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnoea?

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is both the most common and the most troubling of the sleep-related breathing disorders. Classic signs of OSA are excessive snoring, pauses in breathing and gasping during sleep. Symptoms of OSA can include excessive daytime sleepiness, as well as morning headaches, memory loss, irritability, depression, lack of sexual desire and impotence.

There are two main consequences of OSA:

1. The first is excessive sleepiness during the day which can lead to decreased attention, affecting the ability to work, socialise, operate machinery or drive. Not treating OSA can be very harmful, not only to yourself, but to others as well. Driving while excessively sleepy is as dangerous as drink-driving. 
2. The second has to do with the physical harm OSA has on the body. When oxygen levels in the blood drop to a certain level, the heart detects this and responds by beating faster to try and compensate. This stresses the heart and when it happens over and over again, it can cause long term damage. High blood pressure and heart problems have been strongly associated with OSA. There is also evidence that risk of stroke and heart attack can be exacerbated by untreated OSA.

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How is it diagnosed?

For most people, OSA can be diagnosed with a sleep study (polysomnography). A sleep study is an overnight recording of your sleep for the diagnosis and evaluation of sleep disorders. Sleep studies can be performed either at home or in a hospital. The study will measure your oxygen level, heart rate, breathing effort, airflow through the nose and some leg movements using several simple sensors applied to the skin’s surface. The results of your study will be analysed by a Sleep Physician before being forwarded to your referring doctor.

The Epworth Sleepiness Scale was developed as a guide to help identify people at risk of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea. Click here to learn more

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What should I do next?

Following your sleep study, make an appointment with your referring doctor to go through your results and the recommendations of the Sleep Physician. Your doctor will discuss with you which treatment options are most appropriate for you.There are a number of simple things that you can do to reduce snoring and the incidence of apnoeas. These include:

• Lose weight
• Quit smoking
• Avoid consuming alcohol or sedatives in the evening

There are a variety of community resources available to assist you in controlling your weight, promoting regular exercise and encouraging positive thoughts. Even mild activities such as walking will help you to keep fit. For healthier sleep, try sleeping on your side to reduce snoring and avoid alcohol and sedatives at night. The world gold standard for treating Obstructive Sleep Apnoea is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, or CPAP.

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What is CPAP and how does it work?

CPAP Therapy is a safe, non-invasive therapy that should not interfere with your lifestyle. It is a treatment for OSA, not a cure. Compliance to the CPAP therapy prescribed by your doctor will ensure you the best chance of getting a good night’s sleep.

There are two main components in CPAP Therapy – the unit which generates the airflow, and the mask through which it is administered. The CPAP acts as a pneumatic splint and holds your airway open by providing constant air pressure delivered by a mask worn over the nose and/or mouth during sleep. Some people feel an immediate improvement after using their CPAP. Others don’t feel as dramatic a difference. The most important factor is that your sleep apnoea is being treated and that you are eliminating the negative effects on your body.

Click here for further information and frequently asked questions about CPAP Therapy.

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Notice: All medical and therapeutic information and advice contained on this website is necessarily general in nature. The information and advice contained on this website should not be acted or relied upon without consultation with your physician or healthcare professional.