A recent study at AIIMS New Delhi suggests that around 11% of adult Indians suffer from obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), with men being at a higher risk than women. Researchers estimate that more than 10 crore Indians have OSA. If you find yourself perpetually tired, struggling with daytime sleepiness, or waking up with a headache, you might be dealing with more than just the occasional poor night’s sleep. These symptoms could be indicators of a common but serious sleep disorder known as sleep apnoea.
Understanding Sleep Apnoea
Sleep apnoea is a disorder that causes your breathing to stop while you are sleeping. Your brain tries to protect you by waking you up to resume breathing, yet this interrupts the attainment of restful and healthful sleep. This disruption in breathing can prevent your body from getting the rest it needs, leading to a host of complications.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnoea
The symptoms of sleep apnoea often include:
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
Despite getting a full night’s sleep, you may still feel tired during the day. - Loud snoring
This is often more noticeable to a sleep partner or other family member. - Observed episodes of stopped breathing during sleep
Again, this is typically reported by someone else who notices that you stop breathing during sleep. - Frequent awakenings to urinate at night
- Morning headaches
- Dry mouth upon awakening
- Restlessness during sleep
Moreover, people with sleep apnoea often experience unexplained fatigue and mood swings due to frequent sleep interruptions.
Causes and Risk Factors of Sleep Apnoea
Obstructive sleep apnoea, the most common type, occurs when the muscles in the back of your throat relax, narrowing or closing your airway. When this happens, reduction in oxygen levels in your blood, prompts your brain to briefly awaken you from sleep to facilitate the reopening of your airway and restore normal breathing. Risk factors for sleep apnoea include excess weight, narrowed airway, chronic nasal congestion, smoking, diabetes, and a family history of sleep apnoea.
Importance of timely Diagnosis and Treatment
Untreated sleep apnoea can lead to numerous health issues such as high blood pressure, heart problems, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, liver problems, and complications with medications and surgery. Therefore, if you suspect you have sleep apnoea, it’s crucial to consult a sleep specialist promptly. Treatment options range from lifestyle changes (like losing weight or quitting smoking) to use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices, oral appliances designed to keep the throat open, and in severe cases, surgery.
Improving Sleep Hygiene and Quality
Here are some actionable tips to improve your sleep hygiene and quality:
- Maintain a regular sleep schedule
Strive to establish a consistent bedtime and wake-up routine, aiming to go to sleep and rise at the same time each day. - Create a cozy environment
Keep your bedroom cool, quiet and comfortable. - Pay attention to what you eat and drink
Avoid large meals, caffeine, and alcohol close to bedtime. - Stay active
Engaging in regular physical activity can expedite the process of falling asleep and enhance the quality of your rest, promoting deeper sleep.
Sleep apnoea is a serious condition that requires timely diagnosis and treatment. If you’re always feeling tired, it may be worth considering whether sleep apnoea is to blame.
Treatment for Sleep Apnoea at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital
Experience restful nights and rejuvenated days with our state-of-the-art Sleep Apnoea Clinic. Our comprehensive diagnostic tools ensure accurate assessments, allowing us to tailor effective treatment plans to address your specific needs. From cutting-edge continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy to lifestyle modifications, our team of sleep specialists employs a holistic approach to alleviate sleep apnoea symptoms. With a commitment to enhancing your sleep quality, our clinic provides a supportive environment for your journey towards better sleep and overall health. Please find below our website link for more information: https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/clinicsatkh/sleepapnoeaclinic.html
