30 Jan 2024
By Dr. Ross
Many people are tired because they are stressed by many aspects of their life. They work too hard, play too hard and cut back on sleep. However, there are several other serious medical causes that need to be addressed, most common example being sleep apnoea. In reality, all adult males and postmenopausal females suffer a degree of sleep apnoea, and one question will determine whether this needs to be investigated further and managed.
The question at hand is very straightforward, strangely it also is not related to the level and amount of snoring you may do. When you wake up in the morning after what you perceive to be a reasonable night sleep, do you feel refreshed or unrefreshed? If the answer is unrefreshed, it is likely you have significant sleep apnoea that requires attention. The problem is that the treatment is often more difficult than the complaint.
There are two basic types of sleep apnoea:
- The most common being obstructive sleep apnoea where the upper airway closes down during deep sleep, and you never achieve the proper restorative sleep required to keep you energized.
- The less common form is central sleep apnoea, which is typically due to some disorder of the brain, leading to reduced oxygen sensing at nighttime and diminished breathing being a consequence.
Firstly, there are many lifestyle factors that contribute to sleep apnoea and need to be addressed. The modern epidemic of obesity is a considerable factor, closely followed by excessive ingesting of cigarettes and alcohol. Other contributing factors such as thyroid issues and many modern medications (typically sedatives and analgesics) may also contribute to sleep apnoea.
After lifestyle factors have been addressed, the two effective treatments of sleep apnoea include some sort of mandibular advancement device (fundamentally a fancy mouthguard, typically organised by a dentist) and the more definitive therapy – nasal CPAP. Ultimately, nasal CPAP delivers continuous positive pressure into the airway keeping the airway open and allowing the smooth delivery of oxygen through the body via the lungs.
It is estimated that around 1 billion people around the world have some degree of obstructive sleep apnoea. For those who are prescribed nasal CPAP, only half can fully tolerate the therapy whilst some cannot use it at all.
Untreated sleep apnoea is linked to various significant medical conditions, including refractory hypertension, different cardiovascular diseases like stroke and heart attack, as well as other major risk factors such as obesity and diabetes, along with their associated illnesses and complications.
Flinders University in Adelaide has reported encouraging findings, indicating that a multi-level surgical approach could be highly effective for individuals resistant to nasal CPAP. The procedure involves the removal of tonsils, repositioning of the palate, and localised surgery on the tongue to enhance the airway and minimize obstruction. The success of this technique was documented in a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association on September 4th. You should of course always consult with your GP and other medical specialists before undertaking any kind of medical procedure.
The crucial takeaway is to avoid enduring this issue silently (particularly when your snoring is notably loud). If you find yourself waking up unrested, battling daytime sleepiness, or dozing off in inappropriate situations, seeking a comprehensive assessment for sleep apnoea is vital. Discuss these symptoms with your doctor and secure a referral to a sleep specialist for further guidance. This step can lead to significant improvements in your well-being and, in some cases, may even be a life-saving decision.
As for all things relating to your health speak with your GP or a relevant medical professional. For all your financial health contact PSK on (02) 8365 8300 or visit psk.com.au
General Advice Warning - Any advice included in this article has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on the advice, you should consider whether it’s appropriate to you, in light of your objectives, financial situation or needs.
