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SYMPTOMS:

• Chronic,loud snoring with pauses, choking is a strong indicator of sleep apnea and should be evaluated by a health professional
  
• Difficulty concentrating, depression, irritability, sexual dysfunction, learning and memory difficulties, and falling asleep while at work, on the phone, or driving.
• Left untreated, symptoms of sleep apnea can include disturbed sleep, excessive sleepiness during the day, high blood pressure, heart attack, congestive heart failure, cardiac arrhythmia, stroke or depression.

C.P.A.P. (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) Trial

Treatment for sleep apnoea (stopping breathing during sleep) involves the use of a nasal CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine. A mask is fastened over the person's nose with head straps and fastened to prevent air escaping. Depending on the severity of the sleep apnoea, different air pressures may be needed by different people. The first trial of the CPAP machine in the Sleep Disorders Centre is to introduce the sleep apnoea sufferer to the machine and determine the pressure they need to prevent the throat from becoming blocked.

The set-up for the CPAP trial involves all the same leads as the diagnostic study. The technicians will increase the pressure of the machine until the person stops snoring and they are breathing without obstruction.

A CPAP machine involves the motor unit, to which a tube is attached. This tube is flexible and runs from the machine to the patient. There is a soft mask, which fits snugly over the person’s nose and is held in place by a rigid mask and straps. The tube attaches to the rigid mask and it is through this tube that air is blown into the throat. The soft masks come in different styles and sizes so that you can find one to suit your own needs. The straps and masks also have different styles. There are other accessories available to make the machine easier to use, such as a humidifier.

How can Lifestyle changes help for SLEEP APNOEA?
Some tips that may help reduce apnea severity:

• Lose weight. If you are overweight, this is the most important action you can take to cure your sleep apnea (CPAP only treats it; weightloss can cure it in the overweight person).
  
• Avoid alcohol; it causes frequent nighttime awakenings, and makes the upper airway breathing muscles relax.
  
• Quit smoking. Cigarette smoking worsens swelling in the upper airway, making apnea (and snoring) worse.
  
• Some patients with mild sleep apnea or heavy snoring have fewer breathing problems when they are lying on their sides instead of their backs.

WHAT IS THE BEST TREATMENT?
The treatment of choice for obstructive sleep apnea is continuous positive airway pressure device (CPAP).

WHAT IS A CPAP?
This is a mask that fits over the nose and/or mouth, and gently blows air into the airway to help keep it open during sleep.

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