Sleep apnoea is a serious sleep disorder that requires careful management. In the most severe cases, sleep apnoea can be fatal and it is essential that patients who display symptoms of this disorder receive the appropriate support and treatment. Sleep apnoea is characterised by periods of interrupted breathing that occurs as a result of the airway becoming blocked.

If you suffer from sleep apnoea, this can have a major bearing on the quality of your sleep, and frequent disturbed nights can soon take their toll on your physical and mental health.

Sleep apnoea and mental health

Anyone who experiences disturbed sleep patterns, insomnia or a lack of sleep on a frequent basis are at risk of experiencing problems related to both their physical and mental health. We need sleep to recover, rest and regenerate and without it, we start to suffer. In the short-term, a lack of sleep may contribute to daytime tiredness and lack of motivation, energy and concentration. In the long-term, disrupted sleep may increase the risk of stress, anxiety and depression. Sleep problems can also cause issues in relationships.

The chances of depression may also be elevated by a lack of oxygen reaching the brain as a result of sleep apnoea, which causes reduced air flow while you sleep.

What can be done for sleep apnoea?

There are various treatment options for sleep apnoea and the type of treatment usually depends on the cause and severity of the individual case. In minor cases, lifestyle changes such as increasing exercise, losing weight and giving up smoking may be sufficient to ease symptoms. In moderate cases, using a mandibular advancement device may help. This device moves the lower jaw forward slightly, increasing air flow while you sleep. In the most severe cases, CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) may be recommended. This involves wearing a breathing mask while you sleep.