What is sleep apnoea?

Sleep apnoea occurs when the walls of the throat come together during sleep, thereby blocking off the airway above the voicebox. It can severely impact your health and quality of life.

It is believed that sleep apnoea affects millions of people every year. However, since it occurs while you sleep at night, affected people are unaware and it often goes undiagnosed.

Signs and symptoms include:

● unrefreshed sleep

● daytime sleepiness

● depression

● morning headaches

● going to the toilet frequently throughout the night

● gagging or gasping for air at times whilst sleeping

● loud snoring is also common

 Types of sleep apnea

●  Obstructive sleep apnoea: the most common type of sleep apnea. It occurs when the soft tissue in the back of the throat relaxes during sleep and blocks the airway, often causing you to snore loudly.

● Central sleep apnoea: a much less common type of sleep apnea that involves the central nervous system. The brain fails to signal the muscles that control breathing. People with central sleep apnoea seldom snore.

● Complex sleep apnoea: a combination of obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea.