What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a medical condition in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. These pauses, called apneas, can last from a few seconds to more than a minute and may occur hundreds of times a night.
Early evaluation by an experienced sleep medicine specialist can help identify the condition before it leads to serious health complications.
The Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) is used to measure severity. An AHI of 5 to 14 indicates mild sleep apnea; 15 to 29 is moderate; and 30 or above is considered severe.
Types of Sleep Apnea
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
The most common form. The throat muscles relax during sleep, allowing soft tissue to collapse and partially or fully block the airway. OSA is the type most commonly associated with snoring.
Central Sleep Apnea
(CSA)
A less common form where the brain fails to send the correct signals to the muscles that control breathing. CSA is typically associated with neurological or cardiac conditions.
Complex or Mixed
Sleep Apnea
A combination of both obstructive and central sleep apnea, which may require specialised evaluation and personalised management.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
- Loud snoring, often noticed by a partner
- Waking with a dry mouth, sore throat, or headache
- Excessive daytime sleepiness despite adequate time in bed
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
- Mood changes including irritability, low mood, or anxiety
- Waking frequently during the night to urinate (nocturia)
- Observed breathing pauses during sleep
- Waking suddenly gasping or choking
Health Risks If Left Untreated
- High blood pressure and increased cardiovascular risk
- Greater likelihood of stroke or heart attack
- Type 2 diabetes and metabolic dysfunction
- Increased risk of depression and anxiety
- Impaired cognitive function and memory
- Reduced alertness and road or workplace accident risk
- In children: growth problems, learning difficulties, and behavioural issues
Sleep apnea is a treatable condition. With the right diagnosis and an appropriate treatment device, most patients experience significant improvement.
At Somnotech Sleep Clinic, our multidisciplinary team provides personalised evaluation and treatment plans to help you sleep better and improve your overall health.
