What is sleep apnoea?

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is commonly known as sleep apnoea (or apnea). 

OSA is usually when your airways become partially blocked while you sleep, which you may not be aware of. Adults may experience the following symptoms: 

• Fatigue 
• Snoring 
• Mood swings 
• High blood pressure 
• Frequent trips to the toilet during the night 
• Headaches 
• Loss of libido 

OSA is twice as common in men versus women. Women going through menopause are also more likely to develop OSA yet tend to attribute their tiredness, headaches and general feeling to menopausal symptoms. 

The long term health risks of untreated sleep apnoea include diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, hypertension. 

Three per cent of children have sleep apnoea. Early signs that your child may have OSA are: 

• Snoring 
• Difficulty concentrating 
• Changes in behaviour 
• Poor growth or weight gain

If you believe you or someone you know may be at risk of having OSA, visit www.dolbyvivisol.com/sleep for details on treatments and support. 

This article is part of our Sleep Health Campaign. Read the full article, Sleep your way to better health, for more details and self-help ideas.