What Is Sleep Apnoea?
Sleep apnoea is a condition in which a person’s throat becomes partially or fully blocked while they are asleep. This causes them to stop breathing for up to 90 seconds at a time, and then briefly wake up. People with sleep apnoea don’t always know that it is happening, although they usually wake up feeling tired.
Sleep Apnoea Symptoms
Sleep apnoea can affect anyone, although it is most common in middle aged or older people who are above a healthy weight range. Children with enlarged tonsils or adenoids can also experience sleep apnoea, as can people with narrow throats or nasal passages.
People with sleep apnoea often have the following symptoms:
- Tiredness
- Snoring
- Gasping for breath
- Pauses in breathing while asleep
- Restlessness such as tossing and turning during sleep
Things You Can Do At Home
If you have mild sleep apnoea, the following things can help:
- Sleep on your side (consider a special pillow or rubber wedge to help)
- Lose weight (if you are overweight)
- Reduce alcohol intake
- Avoid sleeping tablets
- Quit smoking
- Consider nasal sprays to reduce congestion if that is a problem for you
Other Treatments
People with more severe sleep apnoea may need other treatments including special mouthguards, or CPAP pumps which use air to hold your throat open while you sleep. In severe cases, surgery may be needed.
How Your Pharmacist Can Help
If you think you have sleep apnoea, talk to your doctor. Once you have a diagnosis, your pharmacist can help you manage the condition and help you make basic lifestyle changes. Your pharmacist can also give you information about sleep apnoea products and devices that may be useful to you.
