Does your partner often complain about your snoring? Do you experience interrupted sleep or wake up tired even after a full night of sleep only to feel sleepy throughout the day? Do you experience a choking feeling during the night or wake up in the middle of the night with a dry throat?
If you answered yes to any of the above, this article is for you!
Understanding Sleep Disorders: What is Obstructive Sleep Apnoea?
Disturbed sleep or poor quality of sleep and difficulty in breathing are some attributes of one of the common yet less recognised sleep disorders called Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA).
- Worldwide, OSA affects about 17% of men and 9% of women.
- In India, the prevalence of OSA is 13.7%
Sleep is extremely important for the human body to be able to function properly. Sleep disorders result in one not being able to get enough amounts of sleep, which can lead to several serious complications. Diagnosis of the sleep disorder and treatment of the same is vital for improving one’s sleep quality. If neglected, it may lead to:
- Anxiety and depression
- Impaired concentration and work efficiency
- Decreased immunity
- Poor asthma control
- Increased risk of developing hypertension and heart diseases
- Increased risk for diabetes
- Increased risk of obesity
Does Everyone Who Snores Require Treatment for Sleep Disorders?
Use this questionnaire to assess your risk of having sleep disorders:
The STOP BANG Questionnaire (Answer in ‘Yes’ or ‘No’)
- S – Snoring Loudly During the Night?
- T – Tired During the Day?
- O – Been Observed by Someone to Have Stopped Breathing?
- P – Blood Pressure Higher than Normal?
- B – BMI Higher than 35 kg/m2?
- A – Age Over 50 Years Old?
- N – Neck Circumference More than 16 Inches (40 cm)?
- G – Gender: Are You Male?
Instructions:
If you answered ‘Yes’ to only 1 or 2 conditions mentioned above.
It may not be sleep disorders that are the causes of your snoring. You can consider taking some simple measures to help improve the quality of sleep you are getting.
- Have a light dinner.
- Integrate at least half an hour of physical activity into your daily routine.
- Avoid alcohol or taking sedatives close to your bedtime.
- Avoid having caffeine at least 5-6 hours before bedtime.
- If noisy breathing during the night is an issue, try sleeping on your sides.
If you answered ‘Yes’ to more than 2 of the conditions mentioned above.
What you are experiencing may not be the effects of a tired body or mind. They may in fact be symptoms of sleep disorders. Book an appointment a ENT hospital in India for a diagnosis of causes of the sleep disorder and treatment of the same.
Don’t Suffer Silently
In case you suspect you are displaying symptoms of sleep disorders, consult a specialist as soon as possible. There are various types of sleep disorders, each requiring different types of treatment, which makes a proper diagnosis essential. The best ENT in India diagnose different types of sleep disorders based on symptoms and certain diagnostic tests before initiating a suitable treatment plan.
If you have a friend, family member, or loved one who snores, make sure you eliminate the chances of it being one of the symptoms of a sleep disorder. It is important to get a proper evaluation performed.
Your doctor can help you understand your risk factors and guide you to live better and healthier by improving the quality of your sleep!
Dr. Ria Emmanuel | Consultant E.N.T | Narayana Multispeciality Hospital, HSR Layout, Bangalore