From Sleep Apnoea Symptoms to Better Sleep with Care
Table of Contents Help Others Discover – Click to Share! Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Table of Contents Waking up feeling exhausted after a full night’s rest? Snoring that keeps your partner awake, or worse, wakes you? If you have any of these issues, you may feel like you’re suffering some minor inconveniences, but they could potentially mean something more concerning, such as sleep apnoea. When sleep apnoea is undiagnosed or untreated, it is a common sleep disorder and can affect your daily life and your health in the long run. The sleep apnoea disorder is manageable, and you can manage your journey towards better sleep with Cellmaflex. Cellmaflex helps patients to book appointments online without any phone calls, access their medical history anytime, anywhere, and find nearby doctors, labs, pharmacies, and imaging centres. Everything you need, right from your phone. In this blog, we’ll explore what sleep apnoea is, what causes it, and who’s most at risk. We’ll walk you through key sleep apnoea symptoms, the different types of the condition, how it’s diagnosed, treatment options, lifestyle changes that help, and how Cellmaflex supports your care at every step. What Is Sleep Apnoea? Sleep apnoea is a common sleep disorder in which your breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. These interruptions, known as apnoeas (complete pauses) or hypopneas (partial blockages) can occur dozens or even hundreds of times a night, often without you even knowing it. The result? Poor sleep quality, lower oxygen levels, and increased strain on the heart and brain. There are three main types of sleep apnoea: Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) – the most common form, caused by a blockage in the airway. Central Sleep Apnoea (CSA) – where the brain doesn’t send the correct signals to the muscles controlling breathing. Complex Sleep Apnoea Syndrome – a combination of both OSA and CSA. According to NIH, approximately 936 million adults aged 30-69 worldwide are estimated to have some form of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), with 425 million experiencing moderate to severe OSA Climate data according to HCP Live indicates that rising night-time heat may lead to 30–45% more sleep apnoea events; this could worsen prevalence and severity in the coming decades Although OSA can affect any individuals ages 3 and up, the prevalence is more common in adults who are overweight, greater than 40 years old, and are suffering from conditions such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Thankfully, the condition is highly manageable. especially when caught early. And with Cellmaflex, you can start that journey effortlessly; from finding a sleep specialist, to booking a diagnostic test, to being able to access results and care plans through one platform and all from the security of knowing your information is protected. Common Causes and Risk Factors Although sleep apnoea can develop in anyone, certain risk factors can make it much more likely you will develop it, including Excess weight and obesity; one of the established risk factors. Fat deposits around the upper airway can inhibit breathing during sleep, with studies showing that more than 70% of people with sleep apnoea are obese. Other physical characteristics that may contribute include a narrow airway or large tonsils or having a thick neck. Genetics are also relevant as there is a family history of sleep apnoea exists, and the likelihood of you being diagnosed increases. Men are at a higher risk of developing sleep apnoea than women, who on average develop it later in life after menopause. Other identified risks include age; being over 40 years, alcohol/sedatives, smoking, and nasal congestion or persistent sinus illness. If any of these risk factors sound familiar, it’s a good idea to monitor for sleep apnoea symptoms. With Cellmaflex, you can instantly book an appointment with a sleep or ENT specialist. Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnoea Recognising the symptoms of sleep apnoea is the first step toward getting the right help. The most noticeable sleep apnoea symptoms include Loud, persistent snoring Gasping or choking during sleep Pauses in breathing, often noticed by a partner. Other symptoms can feel more subtle: Excessive daytime sleepiness Morning headaches Difficulty concentrating Irritability, and even depression. Many people assume these symptoms are due to stress or a busy schedule, but they could indicate a chronic sleep disorder. If you or your partner has noticed these patterns, it’s time to take action. Cellmaflex helps you to search for a nearby specialist through the directory and book an appointment online without needing to call the clinic. Types of Sleep Apnoea Knowing which type of sleep apnoea, you have is important to ensure you receive the best treatment. Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is the most common type and happens when the muscles in the back of your throat overly relax during sleep and cause the airway to narrow or close. Central Sleep Apnoea (CSA) is uncommon and happens when the brain does not send the right signals to the muscles that control breathing. Complex or Mixed Sleep Apnoea Syndrome involves the combination of OSA and CSA and is generally diagnosed in people who have apnoeic events even when using CPAP therapy. Each type has different causes and treatment approaches. With Cellmaflex, once you receive your sleep study results, they’re automatically available in your patient record, so your healthcare provider can adjust your treatment plan accordingly and keep you informed. How Sleep Apnoea Is Diagnosed If you’re experiencing sleep apnoea symptoms, your journey toward diagnosis usually begins with a clinical evaluation and review of your symptoms. A healthcare provider may ask about your sleep habits, lifestyle, and any family history of apnoea. The next step is often a sleep study, either at a clinic or in the comfort of your home: Polysomnography (PSG) is an overnight test performed in a sleep centre, monitoring your brain activity, oxygen levels, heart rate, and breathing. At-home Sleep Apnoea tests (HSAT) are catching on due to their ease of use. These portable devices track airflow, breathing effort, and oxygen
