Sleep Apnoea

The name may be familiar to many, as it is a very common condition, especially associated with people suffering from chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, PCOD, hormonal problems, and hypothyroidism — and men are the most affected. It is simply a disorder that causes you to stop breathing while asleep.

This can be caused by two major factors:

1. Obstructed air passage due to narrowing caused by conditions like allergy, adenoids, tonsillitis, obesity, or ageing, which leads to loosening of the muscles surrounding the airway.
2. Problems in the central nervous system which cause impaired impulses from the brain, leading to abnormal breathing during sleep.

How to identify sleep apnoea — clinical symptoms:

1. Tiredness / exhaustion when waking up.
2. Daytime sleepiness.
3. Snoring. This is common, but there are people who have sleep apnoea but don't snore.
4. Mood changes — depression and anxiety.