Obstructive sleep apnoea, commonly known as sleep apnoea or OSA, is a condition where the throat muscles relax overnight, restricting airflow while you sleep. The body then wakes multiple times each hour to get the air flowing freely again. Sleep apnoea affects approximately 5-10% of the Australian population. 

Whilst it may not sound significant, and many people remain undiagnosed for years, it is important to diagnose and treat sleep apnoea. In addition to causing fatigue and its associated symptoms, untreated sleep apnoea can put you at greater risk of more serious diseases. 

There is no one cause for sleep apnoea, as the cause of obstruction can be any one or more of the muscles and tissues in the neck or throat. As such, it can affect anyone of any age or gender. However, several factors increase your risk of developing sleep apnoea. 

The most common risk factors for sleep apnoea include:

·        Being a male over 50 years of age.

·        Carrying excess weight, a thick neck, or a family history of sleep apnoea.

·        Smoking or drinking alcohol regularly.

·        Some medical conditions or medications. 

Do you have sleep apnoea? 

Many symptoms of sleep apnoea can be mistaken for something else or not noticed at all. The most common symptoms include:

·        Feeling tired during the day despite having ‘slept’ your usual 7-9 hours.

·        Headaches upon waking, and feeling “brain fog” as the day progresses.

·        A partner reporting that you gasp for air or snore while you sleep.

·        Regularly waking with a dry, sore throat. 

Fortunately diagnosing sleep apnoea is as simple as a visit to your local Capital Chemist pharmacy. Your pharmacist can provide an affordable, comfortable, take-home sleep study machine. Results are back within a week, and the proper treatment can work within days. 

What to do if you have sleep apnoea 

If your sleep study confirms that you have sleep apnoea, your pharmacist or GP will most likely recommend a CPAP machine to keep your airways open while you sleep. Most people start to notice an improvement in their symptoms within days, while others may require a couple of weeks or months to get the pressure right or find the best mask and machine fit for their needs. 

Alternative treatments for mild sleep apnoea include:

·        Altering lifestyle factors - increasing exercise, losing weight, eating well.

·        Oral appliances to keep your jaw slightly forward and reduce the chances of blockages.

·        Mouth and throat exercises to strengthen muscles that may be relaxing too much.

·        Treating underlying conditions that may be causing or worsening your symptoms. 

Rarely, more severe cases may be referred to a sleep or ear, nose, and throat specialist to consider surgical or other solutions. 

What is central sleep apnoea, and how is it different? 

Much rarer than obstructive sleep apnoea, central sleep apnoea is caused by a breakdown in the messages from your brain providing the instructions to breathe rather than an obstruction of the airways. As such, it is less likely to cause snoring symptoms. Both involve frequent pauses in breathing throughout the night and associated symptoms of insufficient sleep and increased risk for other conditions. 

There are many causes of central sleep apnoea, including other illnesses and medications. Treatment for central sleep apnoea does not always include using a simple CPAP machine and depends on the underlying cause of the condition. If central sleep apnoea is suspected, your pharmacist will advise you to visit your GP for referral to a sleep specialist.

Is sleep apnoea serious? 

Mild or well-managed sleep apnoea is not necessarily a serious medical condition. Severe or untreated sleep apnoea is more serious and can increase your likelihood of both mental and physical health concerns. 

When left untreated, sleep apnoea has the potential to shorten your life expectancy with longer-term physical health conditions including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and heart conditions. The sleep deprivation caused by sleep apnoea can also trigger depression and anxiety in some individuals, reducing your daily quality of life. 

Sleep apnoea – test and treat today 

The best way to protect yourself from further risks is to review the symptoms of sleep apnoea, complete a sleep study if you have symptoms, and follow a treatment regime if recommended. 

To get started, visit your local Capital Chemist today and ask us about sleep apnoea. One of our friendly professional pharmacists will talk through your symptoms and risk factors and answer your questions.