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, 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 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 with 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.
5. Brain function disruption - memory loss, poor concentration.
6. Waking up repeatedly in the middle of the night with an unknown reason or with a dry mouth.
7.
Pauses in breathing while sleeping that others witness.
8.
Unusual/irregular breathing patterns during sleep.
9.
Insomnia or inability to sleep.
10. Night sweats or restlessness at night.
11. Sexual dysfunction.
12. Waking up with shortness of breath as if choked.
13. Headaches when waking up.
In children, this can present as:
1.
Hyperactivity disorders with poor concentration.
2. Loud snoring..
3. Bed wetting.
4. Frequent arm/leg movement while asleep.
5. Sleeping in an unusual position with neck extended.
6. Heartburn or night sweats.
Diagnosis:
If you have any of the above symptoms or suspect sleep apnoea, an overnight sleep study can be done either at a hospital or at home. Once sleep apnoea is established, do seek professional help as it is a treatable condition.
