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The causes, effects and treatment of Sleep Apnoea
by Simon MurrayThe causes, effects and treatment of Sleep Apnoea
Sleep Apnoea, or Obstructive sleep apnoea-hypopnoea syndrome (OSAHS) is a sleep disorder that causes the sufferer to have irregular breathing patterns during the night, leading to excessive tiredness during the day. During sleep, the pharynx, or upper airway, collapses repeatedly at irregular intervals during sleep, cutting off the supply of air (eirhter completely or partially).
This causes a pause in breathing, usually lasting about 10 seconds, and forces the person to come out of ddep sleep wakeing briefly, without necessarily becoming aware that they are awake. This can happen severl hundred times a night in extreme cases.
About one in one hundred people are effected, most commonly overweight men between 30 and 65.
The symptoms can include some or all of the following:
- Excessive daytime sleepiness, or feeling unrested after sleep
- Lack of concentration, irritability or a change in personality
- Frequent awakenings during the night
- Snoring (but not everyone who snores has sleep apnoea)
- Difficulties with breathing and gasping, choking or snorting during sleep
- Morning headaches
- A dry mouth when waking
What causes sleep apnoea?
The causes of sleep apnoea can include a set-back lower jaw, a partially blocked nose, being overweight, particularly if you have a short thick neck. Enlarged adenoids or tonsils, or a large tongue can also contribute as can the excessive consumption of alcohol, sedative drugs or strong painkillers.
If you think you suffer from sleep apnoea, you should visit your doctor for a full diagnosis.
Treatment will relate to the cause, and problems such as being overweight will be considered initially and can cure the problem of sleep apnoea, as well as simple steps, such as sleeping in a different position (sleeping on your side rather than on your back can stop the tongue causing sleep apnoea.
After that a mask may be prescribed that aids the sufferer in keeping open the airways whilst asleep. Failing that surgery may help in the treatment of sleep apnoea, and your doctor will be able to advise further