Sleep Apnea

Breathing is vital, yet often overlooked until it becomes a problem. If persistent fatigue plagues your days, you might be experiencing disrupted breathing during sleep, a common condition known as sleep apnea. Could sleep apnea rob you of energy and vitality? Despite the misconception that all sufferers snore, many do not.

Given its potential impact on health and quality of life, finding effective treatment is paramount to reclaiming your well-being. Suspect sleep apnea? You're closer than you think to restoring restful sleep and vitality. Take our free sleep assessment to explore treatment options and regain your best self.

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What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition where your breathing repeatedly pauses and resumes during sleep. This happens either because something is blocking your airway or because your brain isn’t sending the right signals to the muscles that help you breathe. These pauses in breathing can last from a few seconds to several minutes, usually accompanied by loud snoring or a tight sensation in the throat. Consequently, you may experience significant daytime fatigue. It is, therefore, important to identify and treat sleep apnea in order to improve general health and well-being.

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Types of sleep apnoea

Sleep apnoea is a sleep disorder characterised by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. These interruptions, known as apnoeas, occur when the muscles at the back of the throat temporarily relax, causing a blockage of the upper airway. As a result, the affected individual experiences brief moments of disrupted breathing, often accompanied by loud snoring and disrupted sleep patterns. There are three main types of sleep apnoea:

  • Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)

    This is the most common form of sleep apnoea. It occurs when the throat muscles relax excessively, leading to a blockage of the airway. OSA can be caused or exacerbated by factors like obesity, excess weight around the neck, and certain medical conditions.

  • Central Sleep Apnoea (CSA)

    CSA is less common and differs from OSA in that it results from a failure of the brain to send the appropriate signals to the muscles responsible for breathing. Individuals with CSA may experience pauses in breathing without the typical airway blockage seen in OSA.

  • Complex or Mixed Sleep Apnoea

    This is a combination of both OSA and CSA, and it's relatively rare. It involves a mix of obstructive and central sleep apnoea symptoms.
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Untreated sleep apnoea can lead to various health problems, including daytime fatigue, high blood pressure, heart disease, and an increased risk of accidents due to impaired alertness. Effective treatment options include lifestyle changes, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, and, in some cases, surgery. It's crucial to seek medical evaluation and treatment if sleep apnoea is suspected, as managing the condition can significantly improve one's quality of life and overall health.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

  • Loud snoring: It is a common symptom, especially with obstructive sleep apnea. It may be accompanied by choking or gasping noises. 

  • Excessive daytime sleepiness: Feeling constantly tired, fatigued, or needing to nap during the day, even after getting enough sleep at night, could be a sign of sleep apnea.

  • Pauses in breathing: These pauses, observed by a partner, can last several seconds and are often accompanied by choking or gasping noises. 

  • Restless sleep: Waking up frequently or experiencing restless tossing and turning at night may be signs of disturbed sleep due to apnea. 

  • Morning headaches: Waking up with a headache is related to the poor quality of sleep and lack of oxygen associated with sleep apnea. 

  • Difficulty concentrating: Memory issues, trouble concentrating, and impaired cognitive function can arise from disrupted sleep and a lack of deep, restorative rest.

  • Irritability and mood swings: Other long-term sleep disturbances may lead to an increase in irritability, mood swings, or depression. 

  • Dry mouth/sore throat: Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat could be a result of breathing through the mouth while sleeping.

>>> Learn more about sleep apnea and metabolic syndrome.

Effects of sleep apnea

Effects on quality of life:

Inability to concentrate or memory problems: Disturbances in concentration, memory, or any other cognitive function, which is persistent and related to poor sleep quality, should be discussed with a health professional.

Mood changes or irritability: Changes in mood, irritability, or depressed feelings directly related to sleep disturbances may be an indication for consulting a doctor.

Physical symptoms:

Morning headaches: Characteristically, regular headaches at the time of wakening could be a result of bad sleep quality and even sleep apnoea.

If you wake up with dry mouth or a sore throat, especially if you are a mouth breather throughout your sleep, this could be the very first sign of obstructive sleep apnea.

Health concerns:

High blood pressure or cardiovascular problems: If you have high blood pressure or other heart-related conditions and are experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea, it is important to seek medical advice as sleep apnea can exacerbate these conditions.

Unexplained weight gain: Significant weight gain or obesity can contribute to sleep apnea, and a medical examination can help determine if there is an underlying sleep disorder.

Effects on daily function:

Impaired work or social life: If sleep problems are affecting your ability to function at work, in social situations, or in daily life in general, it is time to seek professional help.

>>> Learn more about Explore the latest treatment options for sleep apnea.

  • What is Sleep Apnea

    Uncover the distinct types of sleep apnea. Could you be affected by any of them?

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  • Causes of Sleep Apnea

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  • Sleep Apnea Effects

    Explore the five key indicators that may signal you have sleep apnea.

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  • Sleep apnea treatment

    Explore how sleep apnea is treated and the benefits of suitable interventions.

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