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Sleep Apnoea
Medical Questions » Sleep Apnoea
| Name: Sleep Apnoea |
| Also known as: |
| A cessation of breathing (apnea) during sleep. |
Causes of Sleep Apnoea
Most common cause in overweight middle-aged men is a complete relaxation of the small muscles at the back of the throat, which allows the tissue to become very soft, flabby and collapse as the patient breathes in, closing off the throat and preventing breathing. Snoring is caused in the same way. The other cause tends to occur in elderly men with high blood pressure and is due to suppression of the urge to breathe by the brain during very deep sleep. |
Symptoms of Sleep Apnoea
Breathing stops for periods from 10 to 60 seconds on many occasions while asleep, resulting in tiredness during the day, morning headaches, personality changes, poor concentration, bed-wetting and impotence. The sleeping partner complains about the patient' s loud snoring and thrashing restless sleep. |
Tests for Sleep Apnoea
Diagnosis is best made in a sleep laboratory, where the patient' s sleep and breathing pattern can be monitored through an entire night. |
Treatment for Sleep Apnoea
Weight loss, and avoiding alcohol, sedatives and smoking. In persistent cases a small mask is fitted to the patient' s nose, and air is blown up the nose at a slight pressure with a small electrically driven blower (continuous positive airway pressure CPAP). In severe cases surgery to the back of the throat and nose to remove the uvula and part of the soft palate opens the airway.
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Complications of Sleep Apnoea of its treatment
Minor brain damage may occur with every episode of apnea, that eventually leads to a noticeable deficit in brain function. |
Likely Outcome of Sleep Apnoea
A significant deterioration in the quality of life may occur unless successfully treated. |
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