Sleep apnoea is a common sleep disorder that affects how a person breathes while they are asleep. It happens when breathing repeatedly stops and starts during the night. These pauses can last for a few seconds or longer and may occur many times each hour. Because of this, the body and brain do not get enough oxygen, which can lead to poor quality sleep and ongoing health issues.
There are a few types of sleep apnoea, but the most common is obstructive sleep apnoea. This occurs when the muscles in the throat relax too much during sleep, causing the airway to become blocked. Another type is central sleep apnoea, which is less common and happens when the brain does not send the right signals to control breathing. Some people can have a combination of both.
Typical symptoms include loud snoring, choking or gasping during sleep, and waking up feeling tired even after a full night in bed. During the day, people may feel drowsy, have trouble concentrating, or experience headaches and irritability. Because these signs often happen while a person is asleep, many people are unaware they have the condition until someone else notices the symptoms.
Sleep apnoea can affect people of all ages, but it is more common in adults, particularly those who are overweight or have certain lifestyle factors such as smoking or regular alcohol use. In Australia, awareness of sleep apnoea has been growing, as it can also increase the risk of serious health problems like high blood pressure, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes if left untreated.
Diagnosis usually involves a sleep study, which may be done at home or in a clinic. Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the condition. They can include lifestyle changes such as weight loss and reducing alcohol intake, as well as medical devices like continuous positive airway pressure machines, often called CPAP, which help keep the airway open during sleep.
Overall, sleep apnoea is a manageable condition once it is properly identified. Getting the right support and treatment can make a big difference to sleep quality, daily energy levels, and long term health.