OSA or obstructive sleep apnoea is a very common sleep-related disorder of breathing that increases with increasing age and obesity. 

Although most people with OSA have snoring problems, not all snorers have OSA. It is characterized by repeated partial or complete obstruction to the airway as your muscles slacken in sleep causing cessation of breathing resulting in low oxygen levels in the body as a result of which, the brain centres awaken you to take deep breaths to restore normal breathing. This process is repeated multiple times during sleep eventually causing fragmented sleep which results in tiredness and increased daytime sleepiness. 

Why must not sleep on OSA?

because it is potentially life-threatening! It increases the risk of stroke, hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, heart failure, worsening of diabetes, weight gain, etc. The scary part is that you may have had sleep apnoea for years before it is diagnosed. 

What is the remedy?

If you are a snorer with the above comorbidities and have increased daytime fatigue, consult your doctor for an overnight polysomnography which diagnoses the severity of your sleep apnoea. Lifestyle modifications aimed at healthy nutrition, weight loss, and increased physical activity are recommended. A CPAP machine or surgery may be prescribed based on the severity and levels of obstruction. The good news is that OSA is a treatable condition with significant improvement in quality of life and reduction in fatal complications hence DO NOT SLEEP ON OSA. Seek help early!

By: Dr. Sushmita Roychowdhury, Director - Pulmonology