What Is Sleep Apnoea: Definition, Symptoms and Treatments

What Is Sleep Apnoea

Sleep apnoea, a prevalent yet often undiagnosed sleep disorder, poses significant health risks due to its impact on breathing patterns during sleep. The various types of sleep apnoea demand tailored treatment approaches beyond conventional methods. Understanding the intricacies of this condition is crucial, especially when considering the long-term consequences on overall health. 

Let’s explore the nuanced definitions and innovative treatments that aim to alleviate the symptoms and improve the quality of life for those affected by sleep apnea.

Understanding Sleep Apnoea

Sleep apnoea, a common sleep disorder, is characterised by pauses in breathing or shallow breathing during sleep. These pauses can last from a few seconds to minutes and may occur multiple times at night. Individuals with sleep apnoea often experience disrupted sleep patterns, leading to excessive daytime sleepiness and fatigue. It is crucial to address this condition promptly, as untreated sleep apnoea can lead to serious health complications such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.

Understanding the different types of sleep apnoea is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment. The two primary types are obstructive sleep apnoea, caused by the relaxation of throat muscles blocking the airway, and central sleep apnoea, resulting from the brain’s inability to signal the muscles to breathe. Additionally, complex sleep apnoea syndrome combines obstructive and central sleep apnoea features.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Symptoms of sleep apnoea often manifest as disruptions in breathing patterns and fragmented sleep, necessitating a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation.

Individuals with sleep apnoea may experience:

  1. Loud Snoring: One of the most common symptoms of sleep apnoea is loud and chronic snoring, often accompanied by gasping or choking sounds during sleep.
  2. Daytime Fatigue: Excessive daytime fatigue and drowsiness are common signs of sleep apnoea due to the interruptions in sleep caused by breathing pauses.
  3. Morning Headaches: Waking up with frequent morning headaches can indicate sleep apnoea, leading to oxygen deprivation during the night.

If you or a loved one are experiencing these symptoms, seeking medical attention for a proper diagnosis is crucial.

Diagnosis typically involves a sleep study conducted in a sleep clinic to monitor breathing patterns, heart rate, oxygen levels, and other indicators during sleep.

Early detection and treatment of sleep apnoea are essential for improving overall health and quality of life.

Causes and Risk Factors

Understanding the underlying causes and risk factors associated with sleep apnoea is crucial for effectively managing and treating this sleep disorder. Sleep apnoea can be caused by various factors, including anatomical abnormalities like a narrow airway, obesity, or enlarged tonsils and adenoids that can obstruct the airway during sleep. Additionally, age, gender (more common in males), family history, and certain medical conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disorders can increase the risk of developing sleep apnoea. Lifestyle factors like smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and sedative use can also contribute to the development of this condition.

Individuals with untreated sleep apnea are at a higher risk of experiencing complications such as cardiovascular problems, daytime fatigue, and impaired cognitive function. A thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional is essential for identifying the causes and risk factors of sleep apnea and devising a personalized treatment plan to improve sleep quality and overall health.

Treatment Options

Effective management of sleep apnoea involves a comprehensive approach that includes various treatment options tailored to individual needs. These sleep apnoea treatment options aim to improve sleep quality, reduce daytime sleepiness, and lower the risk of complications associated with untreated sleep apnoea.

Here are three key treatment options commonly used for sleep apnoea:

  1. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Therapy: CPAP therapy involves wearing a mask over the nose and mouth during sleep. The CPAP machine delivers a continuous flow of air pressure to keep the airways open, preventing pauses in breathing.
  2. Oral Appliance Therapy: This treatment involves wearing a custom-fit oral appliance that helps keep the jaw and tongue forward, preventing the airway from collapsing during sleep.
  3. Lifestyle Changes: Lifestyle modifications such as losing weight, avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bedtime, and sleeping on your side can also help improve sleep apnea symptoms. These changes can complement other treatment options and improve overall sleep health.

Key Takeaways



Recognising the signs of sleep apnea and seeking timely intervention is crucial for your health and quality of life. Don’t hesitate to contact our dentist Lower Plenty at Majestic Smiles at (03) 8820 1334 for expert guidance and support in managing this serious sleep disorder.

Take the first step towards a restful and healthier future today!

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