What Is Meant by Sleep Disorder Breathing?
Breathing is something most of us take for granted, especially while sleeping. However, for many people, normal breathing patterns are disrupted during sleep, leading to what is known as sleep disorder breathing (SDB). These disruptions can affect sleep quality and overall health, often without the person realising it. If left untreated, sleep disorder breathing can contribute to serious health conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.
This article will explore the different types of sleep disorder breathing, their symptoms, and what treatments are available. By understanding SDB, you can take steps to improve your sleep and overall well-being.
Types of Sleep Disorder Breathing
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)
OSA is the most common form of sleep disorder breathing. It occurs when the muscles in the throat relax excessively, causing the airway to narrow or close during sleep. As a result, the brain temporarily wakes the person—often without their awareness—just enough to reopen the airway. This cycle can occur many times throughout the night, leading to fragmented sleep and poor rest.
Common symptoms of OSA:
- Loud snoring, often noticed by a partner
- Gasping or choking sounds during sleep
- Frequent awakenings or bathroom visits at night
- Morning headaches or dry mouth
- Daytime drowsiness and lack of concentration
Central Sleep Apnoea (CSA)
CSA is less common but still significant. Unlike OSA, CSA occurs when the brain fails to send signals to the muscles that control breathing. The result is a temporary pause in breathing, even though the airway is not physically blocked. CSA is often associated with underlying health conditions, such as heart failure, stroke, or neurological disorders.
Common symptoms of CSA:
- Sudden awakenings with shortness of breath
- Difficulty staying asleep (insomnia)
- Severe daytime fatigue
- Poor concentration and memory issues
- Frequent changes in sleep position
Causes and Risk Factors of Sleep Disorder Breathing
What Causes Sleep Disorder Breathing?
Several factors can contribute to the development of sleep disorder breathing. For obstructive sleep apnoea, structural factors like a narrow airway, enlarged tonsils, or excess body weight are common causes. On the other hand, central sleep apnoea is often linked to medical conditions that interfere with brain signalling.
Key risk factors include:
- Obesity: Excess weight around the neck can press on the airway, increasing the likelihood of airway collapse.
- Alcohol or sedative use: These substances relax the muscles in the throat, making airway blockage more likely.
- Age: As we age, muscles naturally weaken, including those in the throat and airways.
- Gender: Men are more likely to develop sleep apnoea, although the risk for women increases after menopause.
- Family history: Genetics can play a role in the structure of your airways or how your brain controls breathing.
Why Sleep Disorder Breathing Should Be Taken Seriously
Sleep disorder breathing is not just a nighttime inconvenience—it can have serious long-term consequences if left untreated. Conditions like hypertension, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and stroke are closely linked to untreated sleep apnoea. Additionally, fragmented sleep can contribute to mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety.
People with sleep disorder breathing often experience excessive daytime fatigue, which can impair concentration, increase irritability, and raise the risk of accidents at work or while driving. Over time, untreated apnoea can also put significant strain on the heart, increasing the risk of sudden cardiac events during sleep.
Treatment Options for Sleep Disorder Breathing
Lifestyle Changes
In many cases, lifestyle modifications can help manage or reduce the symptoms of sleep disorder breathing. Some effective changes include:
Weight loss: Reducing weight can relieve pressure on the airway and improve breathing.
Reducing alcohol and sedative use: Limiting these substances helps prevent excessive muscle relaxation during sleep.
Sleeping on your side: This position can reduce the risk of airway obstruction, as sleeping on your back makes it easier for the airway to collapse.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Therapy
CPAP therapy is the most common treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea. It involves wearing a mask that delivers a steady stream of air to keep the airway open throughout the night. While it may take some time to adjust to the equipment, CPAP therapy is highly effective in reducing symptoms and improving sleep quality.
Oral Appliances
Early detection of heart attack symptoms is crucial for survival, regardless of age. While some people may experience sudden and intense signs, others may have more subtle symptoms that are easy to overlook. Understanding these warning signs can save lives.
Treatment for Central Sleep Apnoea
For CSA, treatment often involves addressing the underlying medical condition causing the issue. In some cases, devices like CPAP or adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV) machines are used to regulate breathing patterns during sleep. Medications may also be prescribed to stimulate regular breathing.
Conclusion: How Sleepscope Can Help You
Sleep disorder breathing can have a significant impact on your health and quality of life, but the good news is that it can be effectively managed with the right treatment. At Sleepscope, we specialise in diagnosing and treating sleep-related breathing conditions. From at-home sleep studies to personalised treatment plans, our expert team will guide you every step of the way.
If you’re experiencing symptoms such as snoring, excessive daytime fatigue, or poor-quality sleep, don’t ignore them. Early diagnosis is key to preventing complications and restoring restful sleep. Contact Sleepscope today to schedule a sleep evaluation and take the first step towards better sleep and improved well-being.
For urgent breathing difficulties, please dial 000, the Australian emergency number.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Sleep disorder breathing refers to conditions that disrupt breathing during sleep, such as obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and central sleep apnoea (CSA). These conditions can lead to poor sleep quality and increase the risk of other health problems if untreated.
Common signs include loud snoring, gasping for air during sleep, morning headaches, and daytime fatigue. If you experience these symptoms, it’s important to seek a professional evaluation.
While treatments such as CPAP therapy and lifestyle changes can effectively manage symptoms, there is no permanent cure for most forms of sleep disorder breathing. Long-term management is often needed.
Sleepscope offers comprehensive sleep assessments, including at-home sleep tests, to diagnose and manage sleep disorder breathing. Our personalised care plans aim to restore healthy sleep and improve your quality of life.
