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Sleep Disordered Breathing:

An Overlooked Health Risk

Sleep disordered breathing (SDB), including obstructive sleep apnoea, is a common yet underdiagnosed condition that affects sleep quality and overall health. Left untreated, it can contribute to serious health issues such as hypertension, heart disease, and diabetes.

What Is Sleep Disordered Breathing?

SDB refers to abnormalities in respiratory pattern during sleep. The most common type is obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), where the airway becomes partially or completely blocked repeatedly during the night, causing pauses in breathing.

Symptoms to Watch For

  • Loud, chronic snoring
  • Gasping or choking during sleep
  • Excessive daytime sleepiness
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Morning headaches
  • Irritability or mood swings
  • Brain fog or poor memory
  • Teeth clenching or grinding
obstructive sleep apnoea

Risk Factors

  • Asian ethnicity
  • Obesity
  • Neck circumference over 40cm
  • Male gender (though women can also be affected, especially post-menopause)
  • Age over 40
  • Alcohol or sedative use
  • Nasal or sinus congestion
  • Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)

Health Consequences

SDB places strain on the cardiovascular system and disrupts restorative sleep. It is linked to:

 

  • High blood pressure
  • Increased risk of stroke and heart attack
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Fatigue-related accidents
  • Reduced life expectancy

Diagnosis and Testing

If SDB is suspected, your GP may recommend a sleep study (polysomnography), either in a sleep clinic or via a home-based device. Results determine the severity and type of SDB.

Vaccination schedules vary by age, health status, occupation, and lifestyle. Your GP can advise you on the recommended vaccines for your specific situation.

Treatment Options

  • Lifestyle changes: Weight loss, avoiding alcohol before bed, and sleeping on your side can help.
  • Oral appliances: Useful for mild to moderate cases or those who cannot tolerate CPAP.
  • CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure): The most effective treatment for severe OSA.
  • Maxillofacial surgery: Single or double jaw advancement surgery for the most severe cases.
  • Referral to ENT specialists or sleep physicians for further evaluation.

When to See Your GP

If you or a loved one experiences persistent snoring, choking during sleep, or daytime drowsiness, don’t ignore the signs. Early diagnosis and treatment of SDB significantly improve quality of life and reduce health risks.


Griffin Medical Centre offers assessment and referral pathways for patients experiencing symptoms of sleep disordered breathing.

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