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Sleep is an essential factor in our everyday health and overall wellbeing.
What is Sleep Apnoea?
Sleep apnoea occurs when the walls of the throat come together during sleep, blocking the airways above the voice box. Breathing stops for a period of time varying from ten seconds to one minute, until the brain registers a lack of oxygen to the brain and wakes the person. This may occur hundreds of times per night, causing fragmented sleep and therefore daytime sleepiness and fatigue.
Common symptoms a person suffering from sleep apnoea may experience include:
- Snoring
- Morning headaches
- Waking up gasping for breath
- Fatigue or daytime sleepiness
- Irritability and mood changes etc.
It is important to be aware that long term poor quality of sleep associated with sleep apnoea can increase the risk in number of health issues such as:
- Diabetes
- Stroke
- Headaches
- Depression, mood changes
- Lack of interest in sex
- Impotence in men
Who is affected by Sleep Apnoea?
It can affect anyone at any age; however, it is more common in people who are:
- Middle aged or older
- Men
- Overweight
- Family history of Sleep Apnoea
- Diagnosed with high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes +
Other common causes of Sleep Apnoea
- Alcohol consumption, especially in the evening, as this relaxes the throat muscles and hampers the brain’s reaction to sleep disordered breathing
- certain illnesses, such as reduced thyroid production or the presence of a very large goitre
- large tonsils, especially in children
- medications, such as sleeping tablets and sedatives
- nasal congestion and obstruction
- facial bone shape and the size of muscles, such as an undershot jaw.
How can Sleep Apnoea treated?
A consultation with one our Simply Pharmacy Pharmacists, will give you access to the right advise on which treatment would be best for you. The pharmacist will discuss and discover your personalized sleep score, assess whether an overnight at-home sleep test is right for you, as well as discover how you can improve your concentration and energy levels.
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