Find what is sleep apnoea
Learn what sleep apnoea is, what its symptoms are, and how it can affect your health and quality of life.
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome (OSAS) describes a condition where frequent breathing pauses occur during sleep. These pauses can last from a few seconds to more than a minute and repeat throughout the night. OSAS is quite common, affecting around 4% of the population.
How to recognise sleep apnoea?
The most common signs include:
• Loud and persistent snoring (roncopathy);
• Breathing pauses observed by someone sleeping nearby;
• Waking up with a choking or gasping sensation;
• Excessive daytime sleepiness;
• Difficulty concentrating, irritability, and morning headaches.
Why is it important to treat it?
OSAS is not a life-threatening condition by itself, but it can affect the heart, which has to work harder when deprived of oxygen. This may lead to serious problems such as heart failure.
In addition, people with untreated OSAS have a higher risk of being involved in road accidents due to excessive sleepiness while driving.
OSAS can have a serious impact on quality of life, but it can be easily managed. To help prevent OSAS, you can make several lifestyle changes, along with a variety of treatments recommended by your doctor.
What can you do?
• Lifestyle changes: lose weight, avoid alcohol and sedatives before sleep, quit smoking, and keep regular sleep schedules.
• Medical treatments: in more severe cases, the doctor may recommend using devices such as CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure), oral appliances, or even surgery.
• Clinical evaluation: if you suspect you may have sleep apnoea, you should consult your family doctor or a sleep medicine specialist.
Do not ignore the signs!
Sleep apnoea is treatable, and early diagnosis makes all the difference. If you snore heavily, wake up feeling tired, or suffer from excessive daytime sleepiness, talk to your doctor.
Book a medical evaluation today and take the first step towards more restful nights and healthier days.
Thordis Berger
Chief Medical Officer Holmes Place
References:
• Sociedade Portuguesa de Pneumologia (SPP): www.sppneumologia.pt
• European Respiratory Society: www.ersnet.org
• European Lung Foundation