What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnoea?
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is a widespread sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. These interruptions occur when the throat muscles relax excessively, causing the airway to narrow or collapse. Each episode lasts from seconds to minutes, briefly waking the brain to resume normal breathing—often without the individual’s awareness. This cycle fragments sleep, undermining its quality and affecting overall health.
Recognising the Signs
Symptoms of OSA include loud snoring, pauses in breathing often followed by choking or gasping, frequent awakenings, restless sleep, and morning headaches. Daytime fatigue, difficulty concentrating, mood disturbances such as irritability or depression, and waking with dry mouth or sore throat are also common indicators.
Causes and Contributing Factors
The primary cause is the relaxation of throat muscles leading to airway obstruction. Several elements increase susceptibility:
Excess weight around the neck and throat narrowing the airway
Anatomical traits causing naturally narrow airways or nasal congestion
Use of sedatives causing excessive muscle relaxation
Smoking-induced inflammation of airway tissues
Family history suggesting genetic predisposition
Who Is Most at Risk?
Certain populations are more vulnerable to OSA:
Individuals with obesity (BMI over 30)
Men, who have two to three times higher risk than women (though women’s risk rises after menopause)
Middle-aged and older adults due to age-related muscle relaxation
Those with chronic nasal congestion or nasal structural abnormalities
Patients with medical conditions such as hypothyroidism, acromegaly, or neuromuscular disorders
Health Consequences of Untreated Sleep Apnoea
Untreated OSA imposes serious health risks:
Elevated blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, and irregular heart rhythms
Increased likelihood of type 2 diabetes
Impaired liver function and fatty liver disease
Sleep disruption for bed partners and heightened risk of accidents from daytime drowsiness
Impaired cognitive function and increased mood disorders such as depression and anxiety
Diagnosis
Diagnosis hinges on symptom review, physical examination of throat and neck structures, and sleep studies. Polysomnography conducted overnight in a sleep lab or portable home monitors assess breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and heart activity to determine OSA’s presence and severity.
Treatment Approaches
Treatment aims to maintain open airways and improve sleep quality through:
Lifestyle changes: weight loss, avoiding sedatives, quitting smoking, adjusting sleep position
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy: a device delivering continuous airflow via mask to keep airways open
Oral appliances: dental devices reposition jaws or tongue to prevent obstruction
Surgery: procedures like tissue removal, jaw advancement, nerve stimulation, or nasal surgeries for anatomical causes
Living with OSA
Consistent treatment adherence, establishing regular sleep schedules, creating a restful sleep environment, and stress management can improve outcomes. Support groups can offer encouragement and practical advice.
Prevention
Though not all cases can be prevented, risks decrease by maintaining healthy weight, exercising regularly, and managing nasal congestion.
When to See a Doctor
Seek medical advice if experiencing loud, persistent snoring, observed breathing pauses, excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, memory impairment, mood changes, or concurrent cardiovascular issues. Timely diagnosis and treatment are vital for preventing complications.
Obstructive sleep apnoea transcends simple snoring, representing a serious health condition. Awareness and appropriate care can restore restful sleep and improve life quality.
