Sleep apnoea is a condition in which the muscles of the throat relax and reduce the intake of oxygen. Breathing stops momentarily (generally between 10 seconds and 1 minute) until the brain registers the drop in oxygen levels. When this happens, the sleeper comes out of deep sleep for brief periods in an attempt to restore normal breathing, typically snorting and gasping to open the upper airway before drifting back to sleep immediately. This pattern can repeat itself many times each night, resulting in fragmented sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness and other side effects. Sleep apnoea is also often accompanied by snoring which can disturb your partner’s sleep.
What Are the Causes of Sleep Apnoea?
Sleep apnoea can have a range of causes, including:
- Genetics – Genetics can play a significant role in the development of sleep apnoea. Individuals with a family history of sleep apnoea may be more predisposed to the condition due to inherited physical traits that make airway obstruction more likely.
- Obesity – Obesity is one of the most common risk factors for sleep apnoea. Excess weight, particularly around the neck and throat area, can lead to fatty deposits that narrow the airway, making it easier for the airway to become blocked during sleep. The increased pressure from excess body weight can also contribute to airway collapse.
- Growths in the Throat – Growths such as polyps or benign tumours can obstruct the airway, leading to episodes of apnoea. These growths can physically block the air passage and lead to breathing interruptions during sleep.
- Sinus Issues – Chronic sinus problems and nasal congestion can contribute to sleep apnoea by obstructing airflow through the nasal passages. This can cause individuals to breathe through their mouths, which increases the likelihood of airway collapse during sleep, particularly when the muscles of the throat relax.
- Oversized Tonsils – Enlarged tonsils can be a cause of sleep apnoea, especially in children. The tonsils are located near the back of the throat, and if they’re oversized, they can block the airway, making it difficult for air to pass freely.
- And Other Factors – Other factors that may contribute to sleep apnoea include use of sedatives or alcohol, the natural ageing process, and certain anatomical characteristics, such as a small jaw, large tongue or thick neck.
Sleep apnoea is typically more prevalent in men, and the risk increases with age. Smokers and sufferers of diabetes or high blood pressure are also more likely to develop the condition.
What Are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnoea?
The main symptom of sleep apnoea is loud and deep snoring when sleeping. A sufferer will also often wake up throughout the night choking or gasping. Due to the disruption this causes to sleep, this can lead to symptoms of fatigue, concentration problems and poor work performance during daytime hours. If you experience any of these symptoms, our sleep apnoea dentist can refer you to a doctor who can discuss available treatment options with you.
