What is Sleep Apnoea, Are you at Risk?

 

An obstruction can last up to 2 minutes and may occur several hundred times during a nights sleep.  Although the sufferer is unaware, the brain recognises low levels of oxygen during these episodes and alerts the body to wake and take a breath. 

These episodes may occur hundreds of times during the night.  The sufferer is not fully roused by these events and in the morning will be unaware of any disturbances to their sleep.

The brief wake-ups that people with OSA experience diminishes their quality of sleep, resulting in sleep deprivation.  The symptoms of sleep deprivation may be what bring most people with OSA to see their physician.

Normally during sleep, the muscles which control the tongue and soft palate hold the airway open.

 

 

 

Healthy upper airway

 

If these muscles relax, the airway narrows, causing snoring and breathing difficulties.

 

 

Partially obstructed upper airway

 

If these muscles relax too much, the airway can become completely blocked, preventing breathing.

 

 

Obstructed upper airway

 

Who is at risk of developing Obstructive Sleep Apnoea?    The Strongest Risk Factors are :

  • Male Gender – Males are 3-4 times more likely than females to develop OSA
  • Obesity – In association with increased neck circumference
  • Ageing – OSA can occur at any age but is more prevalent in the over 40’s age group
  • Other risk factors include – upper airway abnormality, a recessed chin, nasal problems and family history

 

What are the Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea?  A sufferer may experience :

  • Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
  • Snoring
  • Poor Concentration
  • Lack of Energy
  • Irritability
  • Being Overweight
  • Not Feeling Refreshed in the Morning

 

A Partner May Report:

  • Heavy Snoring
  • Cessation of breath followed by a loud gasp

 

Effects On Health and Wellbeing :

During an obstruction, air is unable to reach the lungs resulting in low levels of oxygen reaching the heart.  This increases the heart rate putting strain on the heart having an impact on overall health.  This could cause:

  • Increased Risk of Stroke
  • Increased Risk of Heart Attack
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Lack of Motivation / Concentration
  • Depression
  • Sexual Problems
  • Morning Headaches

 

 

Testimonials

It really works! I started treatment in June and was very sceptical about the whole treatment etc. I needed to use it to go back to work but the whole thing was very daunting to me. I am glad to say though that it is one of the best things I have ever done – I have much more energy and I can think a lot clearer these days. And the best thing of all is that I’m now back to work and living life to its fullest. I wouldn’t have been able to do this without CPAP treatment and I would recommend it to anyone. It does take a little time to get used to but once you get the hang of it, you will never look back.
Obstructive sleep apnoea is such a prevalent problem and people are driving around undiagnosed in all walks of life and in all types of driving jobs. This is such an important condition to get diagnosed for and it really works and is life changing!

E. Keating | Wicklow

Thank God for the invention of CPAP machines for sleep apnoea...
9 years ago my life was full of despair and emptiness due to laziness and to
Lack of sleep... I weighted in @ 26 stone 6 ounces (…) When I received my machine from Medicare I made a conscious decision that every time I sat on my bed I would put my mask on (even for an afternoon nap). As I realised the importance the mask had on my health, it allowed me to get a proper night’s sleep while pumping air into all of my vital organs and at the same time giving me more energy to get up and make positive changes in my life. Today 9 years on I now weigh in at 13 stone and 6 ounces. A whole new life achieved - no longer am I held prisoner to my weight or suffering due to lack of sleep. I can't thank Medicare enough for their support and kindness over the last 9 years. In January 2017, I have a new sleep study to access me to see if I have lost my sleep apnoea. I testify if you use your mask every night you can transform your life from being a tired, overweight caterpillar to becoming a lively and healthy butterfly.....
Thank you Medicare for giving me my life back...

L. Gallagher | Dublin