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Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder in which the airway becomes repeatedly partially or completely blocked during sleep (Slowik & Collen, 2024). Each pause in breathing can last seconds to minutes, and may happen many times a night. These breathing breaks cause brief awakenings that interrupt sleep, often without the person being aware.
Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
You may hear loud snoring or notice gasping, choking or snorting sounds at night. People with OSA often wake up with a dry mouth or headache in the morning and feel very tired during the day. Daytime sleepiness is a classic sign of OSA. Many patients also report trouble concentrating or mood swings because their sleep is continually disrupted. In short, if you feel exhausted during the day despite a full night’s sleep, it is worth mentioning to your doctor.
Risk Factors of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Certain features make OSA more likely. These include:
- Excess weight or obesity: Extra fat around the neck can press on the airway, narrowing it.
- Anatomy: A naturally narrow airway, large tonsils or a small (receded) jaw can block breathing.
- Gender and age: OSA is more common in men. Women’s risk rises after menopause.
- Family history: OSA often runs in families, suggesting inherited traits.
- Lifestyle: Smoking or heavy drinking relaxes airway muscles and worsens OSA.
Other health issues: Conditions like hypothyroidism, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), metabolic syndrome and congestive heart failure are also known to elevate the risk.
How OSA Impacts Your Health
As OSA fragments sleep, it can have serious health consequences if left untreated. One of the most significant effects is on the heart and blood vessels. Over time, the repeated strain on the cardiovascular system can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, heart attacks, or stroke. Untreated OSA is also associated with a higher risk of death from heart disease or stroke.
OSA can also affect brain function and mood. Interrupted sleep means less deep (restorative) sleep, which impairs memory and thinking. Untreated OSA can make you moody, irritable or anxious, leading to problems with memory, attention and overall well-being.
People with OSA often experience excessive daytime sleepiness, making activities such as driving or operating machinery dangerous. Studies have found that individuals with untreated OSA have a significantly higher risk of falling asleep at the wheel and being involved in road or workplace accidents. Persistent sleepiness can also impact family life, learning, job performance, and overall quality of life.
OSA is also linked with other health issues. It can worsen blood sugar control and is associated with type 2 diabetes. Disrupted sleep alters hormone levels, including increasing stress hormones which can further increase the risk of diabetes and other metabolic disorders. In women, OSA may lead to complications during pregnancy. In short, untreated OSA compounds a person’s overall health burden.
How to Treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Lifestyle changes such as losing weight, quitting smoking and avoiding alcohol help improve symptoms. When used nightly, CPAP can markedly improve sleep quality, reduce daytime sleepiness, lower blood pressure and reduce cardiovascular risk. Other treatment options include custom-fitted oral appliances that reposition the jaw and tongue, and surgery in selected cases. For example, removal of enlarged tonsils or correction of structural airway narrowing.
With proper treatment, many people report significant improvements in energy levels, mood, and overall health.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA)?
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder in which the airway becomes repeatedly partially or completely blocked during sleep. This often causes loud snoring, gasping, and poor-quality sleep, even if you do not fully wake up.
2. Is snoring always a sign of sleep apnoea?
Not always. While loud and chronic snoring is a common symptom of OSA, not everyone who snores has OSA. However, snoring followed by gasping, choking, or pauses in breathing should be checked by a doctor.
3. What are the health risks of untreated OSA?
If left untreated, OSA can increase the risk of serious health issues such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, memory problems, and depression. It also increases the risk of road accidents due to daytime sleepiness.
4. Can OSA affect children too?
Yes. Children can also have obstructive sleep apnoea, often due to enlarged tonsils or adenoids. Signs may include snoring, restless sleep, bedwetting, or behavioural issues like poor concentration or hyperactivity.
5. Is OSA a lifelong condition?
It can be, but with proper treatment, people with OSA can live healthy, active lives. Regular follow-up and adherence to treatment (such as CPAP therapy) are key to managing the condition effectively.
Book an Appointment at Gleneagles Hospitals
Recognising the signs and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnoea early can protect your long-term health. If you or someone you know snores loudly or experiences persistent daytime fatigue, do not ignore these symptoms. OSA can have serious consequences if left untreated. With timely diagnosis, appropriate support, and effective treatment, restful sleep and better health are achievable.
To make an appointment for a sleep assessment or consultation, please reach out to the health screening centre at your nearest Gleneagles Hospitals. You may also book an appointment via our website or download the MyHealth360 application from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
