Sleep Apnoea Croydon
Maybe it’s more than just a snore.
After Smile Crew’s sleep apnoea therapy, you’ll be able to have a good night’s sleep again. Visit us to learn why our patients get a better night’s sleep.
Sleep apnoea is a condition in which the muscles of the throat relax too much while sleeping. It is also known as Obstructive Sleep Apnoea or OSA. The throat walls in patients suffering from sleep apnoea, collapse and become narrow when they breathe in their sleep. The air they breathe in travels through this narrow airway causing vibrations in tissues located at the back of their throat. These vibrations produce sounds that we refer to as snoring.
At times, the throat collapses too much, blocking the airway partially or completely, so very less or no air goes into the lungs. The former condition where partial air goes into the lungs is known as hypopnea, while the latter is known as apnoea.
A rarer form of this condition is known as Central Sleep Apnoea where the breathing stops/pauses before it resumes again.
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Patients may have partial or complete obstructions, and their breathing may either weaken/deteriorate or stop for some time – usually between 10 to 60 seconds. In medical terms, they are referred to as interruptions or episodes.
When the patient undergoes these episodes or interruptions, the brain receives a message of something wrong happening to the body and wakes itself from sleep. This may repeatedly happen each night. Although several people may not be aware of these arousals, it disturbs sound sleep. Patients often wake up feeling tired and sleepy. They are also unable to concentrate on their daily morning chores because of fragmented sleep.
If you think you are experiencing sleep apnoea, then call us immediately so we can book an appointment for you with one of our expert doctors!
What are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnoea?
Some of the common signs and symptoms of sleep apnoea include:
- Loud snoring
- Gasping for air during sleep
- Episodes in which the patient stops breathing in their sleep
- Dry mouth on getting up
- Headache in the morning
- Fragmented sleep or insomnia
- Sleepy during the day
- Feeling of irritation
- Unable to pay attention when awake
Causes of Sleep Apnoea
Anyone can be affected by sleep apnoea. However, some factors increase the risk. They are mentioned below:
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
01
Excess weight
People who are obese are at the risk of getting sleep apnoea because the fat deposits around their upper airway block their breathing.
02
Circumference of Neck
Some people have thicker necks than others; they tend to have narrower airways, increasing their risk of sleep apnoea.
03
Inherited Narrow Airway
Some individuals have a narrow throat from birth. Those who have enlarged adenoids or tonsils are at the risk of sleep apnoea as they block the airway. This is especially in the case of children.
04
Older Adults
Older adults are known to suffer from sleep apnoea more than young adults.
05
Male
Risks of sleep apnoea automatically increased in men. However, women undergoing menopause or those who are obese are at high risk of sleep apnoea.
06
Sedatives, Alcohol, and Tranquillisers
These are muscle relaxants and relax the muscles present in the throat.
07
Smoking
Smoking increases fluid retention and inflammation in the upper airway.
08
Family History
If the previous generation in an individual’s family has suffered from sleep apnoea, they are at the risk of getting it too.
09
Nasal Congestion
Allergies or anatomical issues can cause problems in breathing through the nose, exposing the individual to developing sleep apnoea.
10
Medical Conditions
People with type 2 diabetes, congestive heart failure, Parkinson’s disease, and high blood pressure are at high risk of sleep apnoea. Other diseases that make people vulnerable to sleep apnoea include hormonal disorders, asthma, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and stroke (which happened previously).
Central Sleep Apnoea
01
Stroke
For someone who has had a stroke earlier is at the risk of getting central sleep apnoea.
02
Heart Issues
Individuals suffering from congestive heart failure can also have this sleep apnoea.
03
Narcotic Pain Medicines
Those who consume long-acting medicines like methadone may get sleep apnoea.
04
Male
Male are more susceptible to getting central sleep apnoea than women.
5
Older adults
Older people and sometimes middle-aged people have a higher risk of central sleep apnoea.
Complications
People suffering from sleep apnoea should not delay getting medical help. It is a serious medical condition that may cause various complications in your health.
Fatigue During the Day and Loss in Concentration
Restorative sleep during the night is impossible for people with sleep apnoea. This automatically makes them sleepy during the day. They also feel irritated throughout the day and find it difficult to concentrate. People with sleep apnoea are also short-tempered, depressed, and moody. It is seen that people with sleep apnoea are at high risk of workplace and motor vehicle accidents.
Heart or High Blood Pressure Issues
The blood oxygen levels often go down (known as hypoxemia or hypoxia) suddenly in people suffering from sleep apnoea. This strains the cardiovascular system making them vulnerable to high blood pressure, abnormal heartbeats, heart attack, and stroke. For patients with heart disease, several episodes of low blood oxygen can cause sudden death.
Type 2 Diabetes
Developing insulin resistance is common in people with sleep apnoea.
Metabolic Syndrome
Increased weight circumference, abnormal cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, and high blood sugar come under heart disease, known as metabolic syndrome.
Complications with Surgery and Medication
It is difficult to give general anaesthesia to people suffering from sleep apnoea. Their breathing problem may cause complications post-surgery, particularly when they are under sedation and are lying on their back.
Liver Problems
Non-alcoholic fatty liver and abnormal liver function tests are often diagnosed in people with sleep apnoea.
Diagnosis of Sleep Apnoea
Depending on the signs and symptoms you show, our doctor will evaluate your condition and then monitor you to better understand your condition before creating a treatment plan. There are a couple of tests that can help detect sleep apnoea:
01
Nocturnal Polysomnography
An equipment is connected to your body that monitors your breathing pattern, heart activity, brain function, lung activity, blood oxygen levels, and arm and leg movement.
02
Home Sleep Tests
Our doctor may also provide you with simple tests that can be done at home. The tests measure blood oxygen level, heart rate, breathing pattern, and airflow – allowing them to understand your condition.
Treatment of Sleep Apnoea
For people with mild signs and symptoms of sleep apnoea, our doctors often recommend changes in their lifestyle or medical condition like treating their allergies, if any, losing weight, quitting alcohol, and smoking. For those who have more serious symptoms of sleep apnoea there are different types of therapies and surgeries that can be performed.
Our doctors will be able to treat you for your condition and offer you the best type of treatment once they have diagnosed your condition in detail.
Where to Get the Best Treatment for Sleep Apnoea?
Smile Crew has an amazing team of skilled doctors and specialists who have been treating people for sleep apnoea. We are well-equipped with various equipment required in the treatment of sleep apnoea. We have been dedicated to offering dynamic treatment to all our customers. Our staff and practised doctors are committed to understanding your perspective, knowing that you have entrusted them with your health. Our doctors actively believe in devotedly treating your issue safely and comfortably. To book a free consultation session with us, get in touch with us or visit us on the below mentioned contact details:
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Frequently
Asked questions
What are some warning signs of sleep apnoea?
Waking up choking/gasping, dry mouth/sore throat on waking up, morning headache, mood swings, fragmented sleep, too much fatigue, drowsiness in the day, forgetfulness, depression, swelling in the legs, along with a few more are some warning signs of sleep apnoea.
Is sleep apnoea life-threatening?
For some people who are already suffering from chronic health conditions such as heart disease, sleep apnoea may be hazardous. You must immediately consult our doctor for quick treatment of this condition.