Sleep Apnea

Common but possibly dangerous sleep disorders, including sleep apnoea, cause regular pauses and starts in breathing during sleep. Many people ascribe symptoms including loud snoring, daytime tiredness, or disturbed sleep to stress or lifestyle choices, so it is sometimes undetectable. Three basic varieties exist: obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), the most often occurring type brought on by throat muscle relaxation; central sleep apnoea (CSA), in which the brain fails to provide appropriate signals to breathing muscles; and complex sleep apnoea, a mix of both.
Among the risk factors are weight, a thick neck, a restricted airway, smoking, or family history. Untreated sleep apnoea can cause major medical problems, including type 2 diabetes, cognitive problems, high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.
Usually, a sleep study—polysomnography—either at a sleep centre or via a home-based test—forms part of the diagnosis. Treatment choices include dental appliances and, occasionally, surgery; lifestyle modifications; and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. Early intervention dramatically increases general health, energy level, and quality of life. See a sleep specialist to investigate diagnostic and treatment options specific to your situation if you believe you have sleep apnoea.