Sleep Apnoea

Gambaran keseluruhan

Sleep apnoea is a condition where your breathing stops and starts repeatedly while you sleep. These pauses can last from seconds to minutes and can happen many times an hour, disrupting your sleep quality and oxygen levels.

Yes, sleep apnoea is quite common, affecting about 1 in 5 adults to some degree. It is most common in middle-aged men, but it can affect people of any age or gender.

Sleep apnoea can affect both children and adults. In adults, it is more common in people who are overweight, have a large neck circumference, or have a family history of the condition. In children, it often occurs due to large tonsils or adenoids.

Gejala

Gejala biasa

• Loud snoring that is often interrupted by pauses and gasping or choking sounds.
• Waking up feeling tired even after a full night's sleep.
• Morning headaches.
• Daytime sleepiness, such as falling asleep while reading, watching TV, or even driving.
• Irritability or mood changes.
• Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat.

Gejala pada kanak-kanak

• Restless sleep or sleeping in unusual positions.
• Bedwetting, even in older children.
• Poor school performance or difficulty paying attention.
• Snoring, which may sound heavier than typical childhood snoring.

Gejala pada orang dewasa yang lebih tua

• More frequent nighttime awakenings and difficulty staying asleep.
• Confusion or memory problems during the day.
• Increased risk of falls due to daytime sleepiness.
• Similar symptoms as adults, but often attributed to aging.

Punca

Punca utama

• Obstructive sleep apnoea: The most common type, caused by the muscles in the back of the throat relaxing too much, blocking the airway.
• Central sleep apnoea: A less common type where the brain does not send the right signals to the muscles that control breathing.

Faktor risiko

• Being overweight or obese, especially with a neck circumference over 17 inches for men and 16 inches for women.
• Smoking or alcohol use before bedtime.
• Having a family history of sleep apnoea.
• Having a narrow airway due to large tonsils, a deviated septum, or a small jaw.
• Conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or polycystic ovary syndrome.

Bila perlu berjumpa doktor

Jumpa doktor dengan segera jika:

• If you have severe daytime sleepiness that affects your safety or ability to work, talk to your doctor as soon as possible.
• If you or a bed partner notice that you stop breathing during sleep regularly and wake up gasping.

Buat temujanji rutin jika:

• If you or your partner notice loud snoring with pauses, and you often feel tired during the day.
• If you have high blood pressure or other heart problems that are not well controlled.
• If you have been told you have sleep apnoea before but your symptoms are getting worse.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and may refer you for a sleep study. A sleep study is the main test to diagnose sleep apnoea.

Ujian yang mungkin dilakukan

• Polysomnography: An overnight test done in a sleep lab where sensors monitor your breathing, oxygen levels, heart rate, and brain waves.
• Home sleep apnea test: A simplified version you can do at home that tracks your breathing and oxygen levels during sleep.

Apa yang diharapkan semasa temujanji anda

If you have a sleep study, you will sleep in a comfortable room while a technician monitors you. The sensors may feel a little unusual, but they are not painful. After the test, a specialist will review your data and discuss the results with you.

Rawatan

Treatment for sleep apnoea aims to keep your airway open while you sleep and improve your quality of life. The right treatment depends on the type and severity of your condition.

Penjagaan diri di rumah

• Lose weight if you are overweight, as even a small amount of weight loss can improve symptoms.
• Avoid alcohol and other sedatives in the evening, as they can relax your throat muscles more.
• Sleep on your side instead of your back. Special pillows or wearable devices can help.
• Keep your nose clear by using a saline spray or treating allergies.

Rawatan perubatan

The most common treatment is a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, which delivers a gentle stream of air through a mask to keep your airway open. Another option is an oral appliance, custom-fitted by a dentist, that moves your jaw or tongue forward to prevent blockage. Your doctor may also recommend other device-based or positional therapies.

Bila pembedahan dipertimbangkan?

Surgery is considered when other treatments do not work and there is a clear structural problem, such as very large tonsils, a deviated septum, or a small jaw. Surgical options include tonsillectomy, removal of excess tissue from the throat, or jaw advancement surgery. Talk to your specialist about whether surgery might be right for you.

Hidup dengan keadaan ini

Using a CPAP machine or oral appliance every night is key to managing sleep apnoea. It may take a little time to get used to, but most people feel much better once they use it consistently. Good sleep habits, like a consistent bedtime and a calm sleep environment, also help.

Tip gaya hidup

• Maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise.
• Avoid smoking and second-hand smoke.
• Limit alcohol, especially before bed.
• Establish a relaxing bedtime routine.

Diet dan senaman

Eating a balanced diet and getting regular physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight, which is one of the most effective ways to reduce sleep apnoea symptoms. Try to aim for 30 minutes of moderate activity most days, and avoid heavy meals right before bed.

Kesihatan mental dan kesejahteraan emosi

Sleep apnoea can cause mood changes, irritability, and depression due to poor sleep quality. It's important to talk to your doctor if you feel low or anxious. Treatment often improves your mood along with your sleep. If you need immediate support for mental health, contact a crisis helpline or your local emergency number.

Pencegahan

Not all cases can be prevented, but you can lower your risk by maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking, and limiting alcohol. If you have a family history or other risk factors, being aware of the symptoms and seeking early treatment can help prevent complications.

Komplikasi

Jika tidak dirawat

• High blood pressure and increased risk of heart disease.
• Higher chance of stroke.
• Type 2 diabetes.
• Daytime sleepiness leading to accidents or poor work performance.
• Worsening of existing conditions like asthma or heart failure.

Pandangan jangka panjang

With proper treatment, most people with sleep apnoea experience a significant improvement in their symptoms and quality of life. Treatment can reduce the risk of complications and help you feel more rested and alert. There is a lot of hope – this condition is very manageable.

Cari sokongan

Organisasi antarabangsa

• British Lung Foundation (BLF) – Sleep Apnoea ↗
• American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) ↗

Organisasi tempatan

• NHS Sleep Apnoea Service ↗ · United Kingdom

Talian bantuan

Pautan luar membuka laman web pihak ketiga. Ruqelo Health tidak bertanggungjawab ke atas kandungan luaran. Menyenaraikan organisasi tidak bermaksud pengesahan.