Sleep apnoea is a common sleep disorder charactarised by repeated interruptions in breathing throughout the sleep cycle. These interruptions, called apnoeas, are caused by the collapse of soft tissue in the airway, which prevents oxygen from reaching the lungs.
Non-obstructed airway Obstructed airway
Weak muscles in the airway, a large tongue, obesity and other factors may cause airway tissue to collapse and obstruct breathing.
About 10% of the adult population in the world suffers from sleep apnoea, and about 90% of them have not been diagnosed.1 And about 80% of Australians affected by sleep apnoea are undiagnosed.1 That’s significant because sleep apnoea is a serious condition. Sleep apnoea disrupts the sleep cycle and can dramatically impact energy, mental performance and long-term health. Sleep apnoea can have serious short and long-term health risks if left untreated. It can be hard to take the first steps into finding out if you have sleep apnoea. We are here to help.
Snoring could be more than annoying – it could be a danger to your health. Take our 9-question quiz to find out if you’re at risk.
Nighttime symptoms
Daytime symptoms
*Young T, et al. Epidemiology of obstructive sleep apnea: a population health perspective. AJRCCM 2002;165:1217-1239.
Driving- and work-related accidents.
Sleep apnoea can have serious short- and long-term health risks if left untreated, including:
If you think you have sleep apnoea, it’s important to find out for sure so that you can begin treatment and start enjoying the benefits of better sleep and a healthier life.
Take the symptoms quiz to determine if you are having symptoms of sleep apnoea. Print out your results to take to your doctor or talk to your pharmacy about a home sleep test (no doctor referral required) – Find your store (link to https://www.pharmacysleepservices.com.au/homepage/find-a-store.html)
Discuss your sleep apnoea risk test results with your doctor or healthcare professional, who will likely help you schedule a sleep study.
Look into sleep testing options, including asking your doctor or healthcare professional whether your health condition allows for in-home sleep testing.
If you are diagnosed, learn more about the Philips Dream Family of sleep apnoea products to see which is right for you.
Myth: I don’t think I will be comfortable sleeping in a sleep lab.
Fact: Though many people have this fear, most are able to fall asleep in the sleep lab.
By Teofilo Lee-Chiong, MD, chief medical liaison, Philips Healthcare Solutions
Getting diagnosed: personal experiences Hear from people who took the leap and met the challenges involved in getting diagnosed. Watch now
The Apnoea Hypopnea Index (AHI) is the most important number on your sleep apnoea test. It measures the number of times you have an apnoea (when you stop breathing for short time) or a hypopnea (when you partially stop breathing for a short time) while you’re asleep. Read an example of a sleep study test result, showing AHI and other measurements used during a sleep study.
Obstructive sleep apnoea is a condition in which a person stops breathing repeatedly through the night. Breathing stops because the throat or “airway” collapses and prevents air from getting into the lungs. Sleep patterns are disrupted, resulting in excessive sleepiness or fatigue during the day.
- Extra tissue in the back of the airway, such as large tonsils - Decrease in the tone of the muscles that hold the airway open - The tongue falling back and closing off the airway
Evaluation by a doctor specializing in sleep disorders is recommended. Have a sleep study done. A sleep study can provide the doctor with information about how you sleep and breathe. This information will help the doctor to determine your diagnosis and treatment options.
Sleep apnoea can have serious short- and long-term health risks if left untreated, including: - High blood pressure - Irregular heartbeat - Heart disease / heart attack - Stroke - Type 2 diabetes - Driving- and work-related accidents
Most commonly, positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy is the treatment. It is noninvasive and can help with symptoms when used as prescribed. Less commonly, surgery or oral appliances are used, which may be effective in certain cases. Any treatment plan should include weight loss if needed, exercise and avoiding alcohol, sedatives and hypnotics.
CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) provides a gentle flow of positive-pressure air through a facial mask to keep the airway open during sleep. As a result: - Breathing becomes regular during sleep - Snoring stops - Restful sleep is restored - Quality of life is improved - Risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, heart attack, stroke and motor vehicle and work accidents are reduced
- Loud or disruptive snoring - Witnessed pauses in breathing - Choking or gasping for air during sleep - Restless sleep - Frequent visits to the bathroom
- Early morning headaches - Excessive daytime fatigue - Poor concentration - Depression or irritability - Falling asleep during routine activities
- Overweight/obesity - A large neck or tongue - Extra tissue or crowding in the airway
Most PAP users who remain committed to treatment enjoy: - Increased energy and attentiveness - Fewer morning headaches - Reduced irritability - Improved memory - Increased ability to exercise - Lower blood pressure - Decreased risk of strokes and heart attacks - Increased effectiveness at home and at work - Improved overall quality of life
References For informational purposes only, not to replace physician's directions.
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