Breathe better with sleep apnoea management and testing

Sleep apnoea is a common sleep disorder characterised by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. These interruptions can lead to poor sleep quality and various health issues, including cardiovascular problems and daytime fatigue. Fortunately, there are effective ways to manage sleep apnoea and several methods to diagnose it. This article explores both aspects in detail.

Understanding sleep apnoea

Sleep apnoea occurs when the muscles in the throat relax excessively during sleep, causing the airway to become blocked. This results in pauses in breathing that can last from a few seconds to minutes. The most common type is obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), but there is also central sleep apnoea (CSA), which involves the brain failing to send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.

Managing sleep apnoea^1,2,3

	Lifestyle changes Making certain lifestyle adjustments can significantly reduce the severity of sleep apnoea symptoms. These include: Weight loss: Excess weight, especially around the neck, can increase the risk of airway obstruction. Losing weight can help reduce or eliminate sleep apnoea symptoms. Quitting smoking: Smoking can increase inflammation and fluid retention in the airway, worsening sleep apnoea. Quitting smoking can improve symptoms. Reducing alcohol intake: Alcohol relaxes the throat muscles, increasing the likelihood of airway obstruction. Limiting alcohol consumption, especially before bedtime, can help.
	Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) CPAP is the most common and effective treatment for moderate to severe sleep apnoea. It involves wearing a mask over the nose and/or mouth during sleep, which delivers a continuous stream of air to keep the airway open.
	Oral appliances These are custom-made devices worn in the mouth during sleep to keep the airway open. They are particularly useful for people with mild to moderate sleep apnoea or those who cannot tolerate CPAP.
	Positional therapy Some people experience sleep apnoea primarily when sleeping on their back. Positional therapy involves using devices or techniques to encourage side sleeping, which can help keep the airway open.
	Surgery In severe cases where other treatments are ineffective, surgical options may be considered. These can include procedures to remove excess tissue from the throat, reposition the jaw, or implant devices to stimulate the airway muscles.

Testing for sleep apnoea

Diagnosing sleep apnoea typically involves a sleep study, which can be conducted in a sleep clinic or at home.

Polysomnography (PSG): This is the most comprehensive type of sleep study, usually conducted in a sleep clinic. During PSG, various body functions are monitored overnight, including brain activity, eye movements, heart rate, breathing patterns, and blood oxygen levels.
Home Sleep Apnoea Testing (HSAT): For some patients, a simplified version of the sleep study can be conducted at home. HSAT involves using portable monitoring devices to record breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and heart rate while the patient sleeps at home.
Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT): This test measures how quickly a person falls asleep in a quiet environment during the day. It is often used to diagnose narcolepsy but can also provide information about sleep apnoea.
Oximetry: This test involves wearing a small device on the finger overnight to measure blood oxygen levels. While not as comprehensive as PSG or HSAT, it can provide initial indications of sleep apnoea.

DID YOU KNOW?
Sleep apnoea is more common than you might think and can have serious health implications. Here are some intriguing facts:

Prevalence: Approximately 1 in 5 adults suffer from mild sleep apnoea, while 1 in 15 have moderate to severe cases.
Silent sufferers: Many people with sleep apnoea are unaware they have it, as it often goes undiagnosed.
Health risks: Untreated sleep apnoea can lead to serious health issues, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.
Snoring: Loud snoring is a common symptom, but not everyone who snores has sleep apnoea.

References

Sleep apnoea. NHS. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sleep-apnoea/.
Treating and Managing Sleep Apnea. American Lung Association. Available at: https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/sleep-apnea/treating-and-managing.
Sleep Apnea Treatment. Sleep Foundation. Available at: https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-apnea/treatment.

Healthful is a digital media publisher dedicated to providing informative content about health and wellness. It is important to note that Healthful does not provide professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For personalised health concerns or before initiating any treatment plan, it is essential to consult with your healthcare provider. Stay informed, stay healthful for you.

Related Topic
CPAP Therapy, Sleep Apnoea Management, Sleep Health