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Obstructive Sleep Apnoea

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea: What is It and How is It Treated?

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a common yet serious sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. These interruptions occur when the throat muscles relax excessively, blocking the airway. Individuals with OSA often experience loud snoring, gasping, or choking sensations, leading to fragmented sleep and daytime tiredness. Understanding OSA is crucial for recognizing its symptoms and seeking appropriate treatment to improve overall health and well-being.

How to Identify Obstructive Sleep Apnoea

Common signs include loud snoring, pauses in breathing witnessed by a partner, gasping or choking during sleep, unrefreshing sleep, morning headaches and excessive daytime sleepiness. A definitive diagnosis requires a sleep study.

Causes of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea

Effects of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea

​Include:

  • Enlarged tonsils / adenoids​

  • Obesity / Large neck circumference

  • Narrow Upper Airway​

  • Large tongue

  • Set back upper jaw

  • Set back lower jaw

  • Nasal obstruction

  • Alcohol

  • Smoking

  • Frequent awakenings

  • Excessive daytime sleepiness

  • Impaired concentration and memory

  • Mood disturbances

  • Reduced alertness

  • Hypertension

  • Heart disease

  • Heart failure

  • Weight gain

  • Type II diabetes

  • Reduced immune function

  • Disrupted sleep (partner) due to snoring

  • Increased risk of accidents (particularly road traffic accidents)

  • Acid reflux

  • Chronic headaches

Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea

Treatment depends on cause, patient age, severity and patient preference but can include:

  • Lifestyle changes

  • Use of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine whilst sleeping

  • Mandible advancement device whilst sleeping

  • Dento-facial orthopaedics

  • Jaw surgery + orthodontics

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