“May all be happy, may all be healed, may all be at peace and may no one ever suffer."
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a sleep disorder in which a person's breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep. This occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat fail to keep the airway open, causing the person to briefly wake up in order to take a breath. These interruptions can occur many times throughout the night, leading to poor sleep quality and other health issues.
Symptoms of OSA can include loud snoring, gasping or choking during sleep, daytime fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. OSA is more common in individuals who are overweight, have a large neck circumference, or have a family history of the condition.
Treatment for OSA can include lifestyle changes such as weight loss and regular exercise, avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bedtime, and sleeping on one's side. In some cases, a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine may be recommended. This is a device that delivers air pressure through a mask worn over the nose or mouth, helping to keep the airway open during sleep.
It is important to speak to a healthcare provider if you are experiencing symptoms of OSA, as untreated sleep apnoea can lead to a number of health issues, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.