As time wears on, more and more people are developing sleep apnoea. However, it can sometimes be heavily misunderstood. So, what is it, and why should you seek medical attention for this condition if you’re experiencing symptoms?
What Is Sleep Apnoea?
Essentially, this condition is a severe sleep disorder. The primary effect is that it causes interrupted breathing during your sleep cycle, significantly impacting the quality of your rest.
Within this condition, there are two distinct types: firstly, there is what is known as obstructive sleep apnoea – the more common form that is seen across the general population. A blockage in the airways causes this type and usually results from soft tissue in the back of the throat collapsing during sleep.
The other form is known as central sleep apnoea. This is where, instead of blocked airways, the brain doesn’t signal the muscles in your body to breathe while you are fast asleep. This is caused by instability within the respiratory control centre.
Who Is Affected by Sleep Apnoea?
Ultimately, it can affect anyone, regardless of age. However, certain groups of people are more susceptible to and at a higher risk of developing this condition.
Additionally, males are more likely to experience symptoms, while those who are overweight, over 40 years of age or have a family history of the disorder can also be vulnerable to it. Even a larger neck size (over 40 centimetres in women and 43 centimetres in men), as well as prominent nostrils or a large tongue, can also play a role. If you have smaller jaw bones and some form of nasal obstruction (usually from a deviated septum, allergies or even sinus issues), you may also find yourself with sleep apnoea at some point in your lifetime.
What Happens if You Don't Treat It?
If you fail to resolve this issue, sleep apnoea can cause you to stop breathing multiple times during your sleep cycle. This can be dangerous – or even fatal. During this time, your brain and body are deprived of oxygen and may start to deteriorate at an alarming rate. Some milder health issues can then form as a result, including high blood pressure, strokes, heart failure and heart attacks, diabetes, depression and headaches. In people with ADHD, it can also cause this condition to worsen.
Luckily, utilising the help of a professional, like ours, can help you to eliminate symptoms or manage them to the best of your ability.
What Are the Symptoms?
There are some symptoms you can keep an eye out for, to jump onto any signs early:
- Waking up with a sore and dry throat
- Waking up choking or gasping for air
- Sleepiness during driving
- Headaches, especially in the morning
- Restlessness when trying to sleep
Need More Information about Sleep Disorders in Wahroonga?
If you experience one or more of these symptoms regularly, it’s highly recommended that you seek support from your GP or dentist. To book an appointment, we invite you to call us on (02) 9487 3103.