Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA)
Sleep apnoea is a condition in which a person stops breathing during sleep. There are two types: obstructive - which is the most common type and central - which is rare. This article discusses obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA).
In deep sleep, the muscles of the throat relax. This does not normally cause any problems with breathing. However, in obstructive sleep apnoea, the muscles at the back of the throat become so relaxed during sleep that part of the airway is closed off. A person with OSA keeps trying to breathe but no air enters the lungs and the level of oxygen in the blood drops (hypoxia). This eventually leads to semi-wakening and breathing resumes, usually accompanied by a loud snort or gasp.
The person affected by OSA is often unaware that they have woken and immediately returns to sleep. Once asleep the muscles relax again and the whole cycle recurs. This cycle can occur hundreds of times during sleep reducing the quality and benefits of a good night’s sleep.
OSA can occur at any age (including infancy) but is most common in middle-aged males. There is an incidence of 1-4% in the general population rising to approximately 10% in middle-aged males.
OSA is also more common if:
- A person is overweight. Excess weight on the outside of the throat increases pressure on the inside of the throat, which in turn narrows the airway.
- Alcohol, tranquillisers or sleeping tablets are used prior to going to sleep. These can excessively relax the muscles making people more susceptible to OSA.
- A condition that leads to excess tissue in the airway is present eg: enlarged tonsils or jaw deformities.
- Nasal obstruction is present.
There are a number of signs and symptoms that may indicate that OSA is occurring. Often, the first indication is reports from others in the household about noisy snoring while asleep.
OSA can lead to:
- Waking up feeling as if there hasn’t been enough sleep
- Morning headache
- Feeling sleepy throughout the day
- Difficulty concentrating
- Loss of interest in sex and impotence in males
- Memory loss
- Personality change
- Grumpiness and bad temper
OSA and other Health Problems
In addition to its possible impact on quality of life, some studies have shown that people with OSA are at greater risk of developing the following health conditions:
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Irregular heart beat (arrhythmia).
Due to feeling sleepy throughout the day there can be a propensity to fall asleep while driving, which is obviously very dangerous.
As there can be many reasons for disturbed sleep, diagnosing OSA can be difficult. Referral to a respiratory physician and/or an otolaryngologist may be required.
A doctor will first obtain a detailed history of the problem and will examine the throat for signs of narrowing. It may often be helpful for the person's spouse/partner to be present, as they may be better able to explain what happens to the person during sleep.
Tests may be used to confirm the diagnosis. Polysomnography is the most comprehensive medical test undertaken to confirm OSA. This involves an overnight stay in a special sleep clinic. Before going to sleep for the night the person is attached to a number of leads to monitor what happens during sleep. Although the number of leads used can be unsettling, it is a painless and safe procedure that requires no specific preparation.
The leads applied include:
- One to a finger to measure the oxygen levels in the blood (oximetry)
- Across the head to measure the brain wave activity (EEG)
- On the face around the eyes to monitor eye movements
- Under the chin to measure muscle tone
- Around the leg to monitor any involuntary leg movement
- Heat sensitive leads under the nose to measure airflow
- ECG (electrocardiograph) leads across the chest to measure the electrical activity of the heart
- Bands around the chest to measure the effort involved in breathing.
OSA needs to be managed firstly through lifestyle changes. CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) has also been shown to be very effective. Dental appliances assist some patients. Surgery may be helpful when specific abnormalities are found that are contributing to the condition, but the results of surgery in patients without specific abnormalities, (e.g. large tonsils or a blocked nose) has been disappointing.
Lifestyle changes
In cases of mild OSA, lifestyle changes may lead to improvement in the condition.
Changes include:
- Weight loss - as even a small loss in weight can improve symptoms.
- Avoiding alcohol for at least a few hours prior to going to sleep.
- Avoiding sleeping tablets or tranquillisers.
- Taking measures to assist sleeping on the side, as OSA can often be worse when sleeping on the back.
CPAP (Continuous positive airways pressure)
This is the most common treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea. It involves the use of a pump which delivers low pressure air into the airways via tubing and a mask fitted to the nose. It is worn during sleep and delivers enough pressure to keep the airway open during sleep. The amount of pressure required to maintain an open airway varies with each individual.
If the results of the sleep study clearly indicate OSA, a CPAP machine is often applied and adjusted to the appropriate settings while the study is in progress. It may be necessary to return to the sleep clinic after the study to receive training on how to properly use the CPAP machine at home. Initially there can be a sensation of having to use too much effort when breathing out while using a CPAP mask but this doesn’t normally last very long.
Many people find they feel much better within a few days of commencing CPAP as they get the benefit of deep restorative sleep that they previously lacked.
Dental appliances
There are a number of dental appliances available that can help to hold the jaw and tongue in a position in order to help maintain an open airway. These need to be fitted by a dentist or orthodontist and can have side effects such as damage to teeth and soft tissues. They are most effective in cases of mild OSA.
Surgery
There are a number of surgical procedures that may be used to treat OSA including removing the tonsils and adenoids, correcting abnormalities in the nasal passages, and removing excess tissue from the back of the throat or tongue.
Surgery can also improve tolerance of nasal CPAP and improve effectiveness of dental devices.
The Sleep Apnoea Association of New Zealand is a support group which provides information and support to people with sleep apnoea and their families.
Contact details are as follows:
Sleep Apnoea Association of NZ Inc.
PO Box 88
Hamilton 3240
Phone: (07) 858 4378
Anderson, K.N., Anderson, L.E. & Glanze, W.D. (eds.) (2005) Mosby’s medical, nursing, & allied health dictionary (5th ed.) St. Louis: Mosby-Year Book, Inc.
LungNet. (2002) Obstructive sleep apnoea, The Australian Lung Foundation, QLD, Australia
http://www.lungnet.com.au/fact_sheets/sleep-apnoea-health.html
Robinson, R. and Frey, R. J. (2006) Sleep apnea. The Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine. Third Edition. Jacqueline L. Longe, Editor. 5 vols. Farmington Hills, MI: Thomson Gale.
Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network Management of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea/Hyponoea Syndrome in Adults A national clinical guideline British thoracic Society 2003 (www.sign.ac.uk)
Veale, A. Respiratory and Sleep Physician. Personal communication (2009).
Last Reviewed - March 2009