Sleep clinic
If you have a question about OSA and sleep hygiene please feel free to drop us an e-mail on sleep@central-health.com
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)?
OSA is a common condition that affects both men and women of all ages. Essentially people who have OSA stop breathing repeatedly during sleep, because their airway collapses.
Airway collapse may be due to such factors as a large tongue, extra tissue in the airway, or decreased muscle tone holding the airway open, these pauses in breathing can happen 30 times or more per hour. As a result, air is prevented from getting into the lungs. When healthy sleep is interrupted in this way, not only can it lead to chronic fatigue and stress but it may contribute to other health issues.
How do I know if I have OSA?
Most people who have OSA do not realize they suffer from the condition. Often, it is someone else who witnesses the signs of this condition. So if you or someone you know snores regularly and demonstrates some of the following symptoms, OSA should be considered as a factor.
Key signs and symptoms include:
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Loud or disruptive snoring
• Gasping or choking during sleep
Other common symptoms include:
• Grogginess and morning headaches
• Frequent urination at night
• Depression and irritability
• Obesity
• Large neck or crowding of the upper airway
• Post-menopausal women
What happens if OSA is not treated?
There are clear connections between OSA and an increased risk of:
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease / heart attack
• Stroke
• Fatigue-related motor vehicle and work accidents
• Decreased quality of life
What is the treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea?
The most common treatment is CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure), pronounced "see-PAP." Other less common treatments include surgery and oral appliances, which may be effective in certain individuals. Any treatment plan should include weight loss if needed, exercise, and avoidance of alcohol, sedatives, and hypnotics.
CPAP therapy will relieve the airway obstruction that occurs while you sleep. CPAP treatment can dramatically improve the life of someone diagnosed with sleep apnoea. When you wear the system every night during sleep and optimum therapy is achieved, you may experience the following benefits of treatment:
• Increased energy level and attentiveness during the day
• Fewer morning headaches
• Reduced irritability
• Improved memory
• Less waking during the night to go to the bathroom
• Increased ability to exercise
• Increased effectiveness at home or at work
• Improved overall quality of life
CPAP does not reverse the condition you have, but aims to ensure that there is enough pressure in the airway so that it does not collapse. You will need to use your treatment every night while you sleep. If you do not, you will return to your symptoms are likely to return.
What should you do if you suspect you may have Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
If you or your partner become aware of the symptoms described and require assessment Central Health has a clearly defined pathway of care from assessment through to treatment. (click here for diagram of pathway)
Our staff will have a simple aim of doing whatever they can to combat your symptoms, improve your health and return you to better quality of life (and sleep!)
For more information or to book an appointment please contact us on 020 7404 6343 or e-mail sleep@central-health.com