OSA Symptoms, What Are The Warning Signs?

What is OSA, Obstructive Sleep Apnoea?

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is a severe sleep disorder and potentially dangerous if left untreated.

OSA is caused by the relaxation of the muscles in the tongue and airway, which causes breathing pauses depriving the body of oxygen.

OSA is typically the most common form of Sleep Apnoea, affecting around 10 million people in the UK. Men are twice as likely to develop OSA than women.

Unfortunately, when left untreated, other health complications can develop. These include heart disease, diabetes and cardiovascular complications.

If you have any signs or symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea, it is advised that you take a Sleep Study. An in-home sleep test is a quick way to determine if you have OSA and allow you to find treatment.

OSA symptoms, what are the warning signs of sleep apnoea?

The common symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea to be aware of are:

• Loud or frequent snoring
• Choking in sleep or gasping
• Pauses in breathing during sleep
• Anxiety or depression
• Morning headaches
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat
• Frequent need to urinate during the night (nocturia)
• Difficulty concentrating
• Memory or learning trouble

If you notice any of these symptoms, we recommend you read about taking a Sleep Study to analyse the cause of your sleeping problems.

Related page: Signs your partner has Sleep Apnoea

OSA Symptoms and the Causes of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea

A common misconception is that Sleep Apnoea affects older, overweight men only. However, this assumption is wrong, as anyone can have Sleep Apnoea, regardless of gender, age or body type.

The risk factors could mean that you are at increased risk:

• Excess weight: You are considered overweight if you are an adult with a BMI of 25 or higher. The more excess body weight you carry, the more you are putting yourself at risk.
• Large neck size: Above 43cm for men and above 40cm for women. A large neck will have more fatty tissue that causes blockages to your airway.
• Older age: 40+ for men and 50+ for women. Sleep Apnoea occurs more often in adults, especially those older than 60. The quicker you diagnose your sleeping problem, the less likely you will be at risk of severe health complications.
• Men have twice the risk of developing Sleep Apnoea compared to women; however, whoever has the sleeping disorder will also significantly impact their sleeping partner if left undiagnosed.
• Smokers are at higher risk as it narrows the airflow to the lungs causing apnoea events (breathing pauses).
• High blood pressure is prevalent in people with Sleep Apnoea.
• Family history: Sleep Apnoea can run in the family, so if you know that it is in your family history, it is better to get a sleep study to determine whether you also have it.

If you have OSA, you must begin to make lifestyle changes and avoid some of the following factors when you can, as these may be contributing to the cause:

• • Alcohol consumption may worsen your apnoea events; due to the alcohol relaxing your muscles.
  • Sleeping tablets can irritate symptoms
  • Sleep deprivation
  • Stress

Take Our In-Home Sleep Test

If you believe that you have some of these risk factors or are suffering from the symptoms of Sleep Apnoea, then it is advised that you take an In-Home Sleep Test to determine whether you have Sleep Apnoea and the severity of your apnoea events.

You will then be able to get treatment depending on the results of your study.

Contact us for any help and advice.