Obstructive Sleep Apnoea

📖What is Obstructive Sleep Apnoea?

Obstructive sleep apnoea is a common sleep disorder in which the muscles supporting the soft tissues of the throat relax excessively during sleep, causing the airway to become partially or completely blocked repeatedly throughout the night. Each obstruction briefly interrupts breathing and lowers blood oxygen levels, prompting the brain to briefly rouse the person to reopen the airway, a cycle that can occur dozens or even hundreds of times per night without the person being fully aware of it. This fragmented, poor-quality sleep leads to significant daytime fatigue and is associated with increased risk of hypertension, heart disease, and stroke if left untreated. The condition is more common in individuals who are overweight, though anatomical factors such as a narrow airway or enlarged tonsils also contribute. Diagnosis typically involves an overnight sleep study, and effective treatments are available to significantly improve symptoms and reduce associated health risks.

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