Millions of people are thought to be suffer, without a diagnosis
Sleep apnoea is one of the most common sleep disorders, but most of the symptoms will be far more obvious to other people than the actual patient because it only starts happening when the person is asleep. So while around eight million people in the UK are believed to have the condition, around one in three people are undiagnosed according to sleep experts.
Sleep apnoea happens when a person’s airway is repeatedly blocked while they are sleeping. It can be caused by a variety of issues like the brain not sending proper signals or lying in certain positions but ultimately interrupts your sleep and prevents you from having a restorative night.
Some of the most common symptoms include gasping, choking or loud and persistent snoring while you sleep. You might not be able to recognise these symptoms on your own, but other side effects of sleep apnoea can sneak into your waking hours.
Senior Sleep Expert at MattressNextDay Martin Seeley said: “If you find yourself nodding off while watching TV, reading, or even stuck in traffic, it could be a sign of something more. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale is a quick questionnaire that helps you assess just how tired you are in everyday situations and whether it’s time to speak to a doctor.
“If you wake up feeling exhausted despite a full night in bed, or your partner notices you snore loudly and stop breathing during the night, seek professional advice. Sleep apnoea isn’t just snoring, it’s a serious health issue that deserves attention.”
The Epworth Sleepiness Scale looks at how sleepy you generally feel while doing everyday activities like reading or talking to someone. Adding up all of your sleepy moments, your final score then reveals if you have normal levels of daytime sleepiness or symptoms of sleep apnoea.
If left untreated, sleep apnoea can increase the risk of health problems like high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes. But it can also have a major impact in your normal life by making it harder to focus, causing mood changes that may affect your relationships and increasing your risk of accidents caused by tiredness according to Asthma+Lung UK.
But it’s not all doom and gloom if you’re one of the millions with sleep apnoea. Martin added: “The good news is that once diagnosed, sleep apnoea is very manageable and many people notice a huge improvement in their energy and quality of life.”
In some cases, a series of lifestyle and bedroom changes can help improve your condition. However, people with more severe forms of sleep apnoea may be prescribed with a CPAP machine or a device similar to a mouth guard that they’ll need to wear while sleeping.
For those with sleep apnoea, Martin recommended sleeping on your side in a cool and dark area that keeps a consistent temperature. He explained: “Back sleeping can cause your tongue and soft tissues to collapse into your airway, worsening symptoms. Try sleeping on your side instead and use a supportive pillow to maintain that position.”
Additionally, alcohol and extra weight around your neck can increase the severity of sleep apnoea symptoms by relaxing the muscles in your throat to the point of collapse and putting extra pressure on your airway. The expert advised maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding drinking alcohol for at least a few hours before heading to bed.
Having a good mattress can also make a big difference, as the expert said: “A medium firm mattress that supports spinal alignment and reduces pressure points may help to improve airflow and reduce disturbances.”