Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is a serious medical condition that is more widespread than initially thought.
In the UK Obstructive Sleep Apnoea occurs on a similar frequency as Type 1 Diabetes and double that of severe Asthma.
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea OSA is when a person stops breathing while asleep, which can be up to 50 to 60 times per hour. These breathing interruptions, known as “Sleep Apnoea” occur when the airway narrows so much that it closes. If we compare Obstructive Sleep Apnoea to simple snoring, simple snoring is the vibration of the soft tissue in the throat caused by a partial closure of the airway, whereas OSA is caused by the complete closure of the airway.
The closure of the airway causes breathing to stop, which in turn reduces the oxygen level in the blood. The brain reacts by releasing adrenalin, which causes a partial wakening of the snorer. The snorer will often not be aware of this partial wakening during the night. Many sufferers have excessive daytime sleepiness, which is bad enough in itself but often they are unable to concentrate, experience marital disharmony and they fall asleep at times when they don’t want to be asleep.
For this reason we have made available a free online snoring assessment to determine the likelihood of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea and also we offer a Home Sleep Study through our partners Phillips Respironics, this is done in the privacy of their own home.
Assess the likelihood of having Obstructive Sleep Apnoea here.
Arrange a Home Sleep Study here or by calling 0114 250 0176.
If you are diagnosed with mild or moderate OSA then the sleep physician will most likely recommend Sleepwell for your snoring treatment and OSA treatment but if you have severe OSA then the physician will recommend treatment with continuous positive air pressure CPAP.
HOW SEVERE IS YOUR OSA?
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea can be described as severe, moderate and mild, with the symptoms and consequences varying in seriousness. The severity of OSA is measured by the number of times the patients stops breathing and the duration of each occurrence.
What Causes OSA?
Both men and women of all ages may suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnoea. The related symptoms of excessive daytime sleepiness affects an estimated 4% of men and 2% of women in the country.
During sleep muscles in the neck relax and cause a partial closure of the airway which in turn causes the soft tissue to vibrate creating the sound of SNORING.
In Snorers with OSA the relaxation continues to the point where the airway becomes blocked which in turn dramatically reduces or stops the flow of air into the lungs.
There are a known number of underlying genetic factors which cause OSA. A number of lifestyle issues have also been identified which exasperate the condition such as weight gain, sleeping tablets, smoking and alcohol consumption, especially in the evening.
The majority of these lead to a loss of upper airway muscle tone and can increase the severity of the condition leading to increased frequency and duration of breathing pauses.
Effects of OSA
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) sufferers exhibit symptoms of impairment affecting life at home, school or work. Daytime sleepiness has been linked to accidents while driving, industrial accidents, mood and personality changes.
Broken Sleep
OSA leads to broken sleep for the partner and the person who snores. Sleep science is increasing in importance and studies have shown that the lack of sleep caused by snoring has wide reaching effects such as:-
- daytime sleepiness
- lack of energy
- poor motivation
- higher stress levels due to fatigue
- less effectiveness at work effecting remuneration and career progression
Driving whilst tired
Sleepy driving has statistically been proven to be as dangerous as drunk driving where sleepy or drunk drivers are 2 to 7 times more likely to be involved in motor vehicle accidents than non sleepy ones. In addition up to 57% of OSA sufferers have had habitual sleepy spells when driving.
Few of us would drink a bottle of wine and drive home, yet many people drive their car when they are tired enough to be dangerous.
Increased Blood Pressure
The shortage of oxygen, the adrenalin rush and the awaking process causes a shock to the system of a patient suffering from Obstructive Sleep Apnoea, which puts extra strain on the sufferer's heart. In addition the disturbance caused to sleep means that the body is not properly rested which increases blood pressure
Headaches
Snorers and their partners can suffer from headaches during the night and in the morning due to snoring and OSA.
Increased Risk of Diabetes
Links have been found between snoring & OSA and a greater chance of being diabetic
Relationship Issues
OSA and Snoring affect the partner, the family and the snorer, meaning that everybody concerned is a “Sufferer” as their sleep pattern is disturbed. Many snorers sleep in different rooms to their partners. Snoring causes arguments both at home and in the work place (latter due to fatigue) and is said to be the third most common reason for couples separating.
