Snoring is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA).
Dr Gill Jenkins last medically reviewed this article in August 2009.
Obstructive sleep apnoea
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What is OSA?
OSA is a respiratory condition in which the throat repeatedly narrows or closes during sleep. Air is blocked from getting into the lungs, and low oxygen levels cause the brain to wake the person up.
Symptoms
A person with OSA will usually snore and wake frequently during the night, although they may not remember this. Their partner may report that they snore and stop breathing frequently during sleep. Their partner may themselves suffer disrupted sleep. On waking, someone with OSA may have a dry mouth and a headache. During the day they may be excessively tired and irritable.
Severe OSA increases the risk of a person suffering high blood pressure, heart attack or stroke. It's also associated with an increased risk of accidents at work and on the road due to excessive tiredness.
Causes and risk factors
It's estimated that OSA affects around one in 25 men and one in 50 women between the ages of 30 and 60. Many people are unaware they have it.
OSA becomes more likely as people get older. Being overweight, smoking and drinking more than safe recommended amounts of alcohol increases the risk. Regular exercise can also help a person lessen the number of apnoea attacks. Alteration of sleeping position may help too.
It’s most important to deal with any risk factors which lead to OSA. In particular:
- Weight management
- Exercise plans
- Dietary support
Similarly excessive alcohol intake needs addressing.
Treatment and recovery
Treatments are available, such as simple dental splints, or more the more complex nasal continuous positive airways pressure (CPAP) through a mask worn over the nose provides air pressure to help keep the airways open during sleep.
Medication is sometimes recommended in severe cases.
Advice and support
The Sleep Apnoea Trust
- Tel: 0845 606 0685
- Website: www.sleep-apnoea-trust.org
British Lung Foundation
- Tel: 08458 505 020
- Website: www.lunguk.org
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