SLEEP APNOEA
Description
Sleep apnoea is a common disorder in which breathing stops during sleep for
10 seconds or more, sometimes more than 300 times a night.
The hallmark of the disorder is excessive daytime sleepiness and compromised
quality of life, including significant social and emotional problems.
The two types of sleep apnoea-"obstructive" and
"central"-are thought to have different mechanisms.
Obstructive sleep apnoea may represent cessation of breathing due to
mechanical blockage of the airway, while central sleep apnoea appears to be
related to a malfunction of the brain's normal signal to breathe.
Symptoms of sleep apnoea may include restless sleep, loud, heavy snoring
(often interrupted by silence and then gasps), falling asleep while driving
and/or during the day (at work, watching TV,etc.), morning headaches, loss of
energy, trouble concentrating, irritability, forgetfulness, mood or behavior
changes, anxiety or depression, obesity, and decreased interest in sex.
Not all people with sleep apnoea experience all of these symptoms and not
everyone who has these symptoms has sleep apnoea. However, it is recommended
that people who are experiencing even a few symptoms visit their physician for
evaluation. Prompt and proper diagnosis of sleep apnoea is an important first
step to treating the disorder.
Potential consequences of sleep apnoea include hypertension, coronary artery
disease, myocardial infarction, stroke, psychiatric problems, impotence,
cognitive dysfunction, memory loss, and death.
Treatment
For mild cases of obstructive sleep apnoea, treatment often consists of
avoiding sleeping on one's back. For people with significant nasal congestion,
a decongestant therapy may be prescribed. Patients with obstructive and central
apnoea should avoid central nervous system depressants such as alcoholic
beverages, sedatives and narcotics. If the patient is overweight, weight loss
and diet control are encouraged.
Most serious cases of obstructive sleep apnoea can be relieved by a
treatment called the nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nasal CPAP).
Nasal CPAP is a mask-like device and pump that work together to keep the airway
open with air pressure. Some patients may benefit from surgery.
Prognosis
Eliminating the obstruction usually reverses the commonly associated
pulmonary and systemic hypertension and cardiac problems of obstructive apnoea.
Untreated, sleep apnoea can greatly affect daytime functioning. Sleep apnoea
sufferers have a tendency to fall asleep during the day, a potentially deadly
consequence of the disorder.
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