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Sleep Apnoea

What is Sleep Apnoea?

Sleep Apnoea is a sleeping disorder in which breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep.

When you sleep, your muscles start to relax, including the ones controlling the upper airway. When that happens, the airway collapses, causing you to stop breathing. The brain senses this and wakes you up, allowing the airway to reopen. Breathing usually resumes with a loud gasp, snort or a body jerk.

Is Sleep Apnoea serious?

The severity of Sleep Apnoea can range from normal, mild, moderate to severe. The severity is measured by the Apnoea/Hypopnea Index (AHI). The higher the AHI, the more severe the disorder.

Some Sleep Apnoea patients may stop breathing up to 100 times in one night during sleep. This results in continuous sleep interruption that may lead to poor sleep quality and other serious health conditions such as cardiovascular disease and hypertension, to name a few.

What are the symptoms I should look out for?

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) can occur in men, women and children of all age and sizes. A Sleep Apnoea sufferer may sometimes not be aware of their own symptoms so it is important for loved ones to look out for the following symptoms:

  • Loud persistent snoring
  • Excessive daytime sleepiness
  • Dozing off while driving, reading or watching TV
  • Choking or gasping for air during sleep
  • Morning headaches
  • Depression and irritability
  • Restlessness during sleep
  • Frequent night time visits to the bathroom
  • Sexual dysfunction

How can I get tested for Sleep Apnoea?

If you suspect you or a loved one may be suffering from Sleep Apnoea, you should first consult your doctor and discuss your concerns. If your doctor establishes that you will require further investigation, your doctor can sign off on a referral form and you can make an appointment with us for a Sleep Study.