Bell Foundation®
Supporting Mental Health Research
  • ABOUT
    • OUR MISSION
    • OUR TEAM
    • IN THE PRESS
    • FAQ
  • GET INVOLVED
  • SEMINARS
  • BLOG
  • CONTACT
  • DONATE
  • VOLUNTEER
  • ABOUT
    • OUR MISSION
    • OUR TEAM
    • IN THE PRESS
    • FAQ
  • GET INVOLVED
  • SEMINARS
  • BLOG
  • CONTACT
  • DONATE
  • VOLUNTEER
In Sleep Disorder

Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Causes and Symptoms

Causes and Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Share this story

Why are you gasping for air?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder where breathing is interrupted during sleep. This can take place repeatedly where breathing is paused for a few seconds and then resumed.  This happens when the back throat muscles fail to open up the airway.

What Could Happen With Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea brings about a fragmented sleep life, and it lowers oxygen levels in the blood. This combination is dangerous as it could lead to heart disease, hypertension and even memory problems. Sleep apnea also increases the risk of drowsy driving.

What Are The Chances That I Have Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs in all age groups and sexes. It is estimated that about 5% of Australians suffer from sleep apnea, with around 1 in 4 men over the age of 30 years affected. It is not easy to estimate the prevalence in children because of different monitoring techniques.

What Causes OSA

It is quite normal for the muscles and soft tissues located in your throat to relax and collapse. This will occur during sleep to some degree. So what is the issue with OSA? Well, for people with OSA, their airway is narrow, and this could be as a result of the following:

  • Being overweight. Too much fat increases the bulk in tissues around the neck, and this puts a strain on the soft tissues. The same case is true with excess fat in the stomach. All of this could lead to breathing difficulties.
  • Taking medication that is sedative.
  • OSA is more common in men than in women. It is also dependent on the patterns formed due to fat distribution in the body.
  • You have a large neck. This is especially true with men because some of them have a greater collar size. This increases their risk.
  • Being over 40 years of age. OSA can occur at any age, but people over 40 are more susceptible.
  • Family history of OSA.
  • An unusual inner neck structure, for instance, large tonsils or a narrow airway.
  • Taking alcohol before sleep worsens sleep apnea.
  • Smoking.
  • Hormonal changes during menopause.
  • Nasal congestion. If the septum has deviated then it could result in the airways becoming narrower.
What Are The Symptoms of OSA

The most common symptom of OSA is snoring. You should note that people suffering from sleep apnea are not aware of it and could also not know the symptoms. Some of the signs are sudden gasps or grunts, waking up and then going back to sleep. Additional symptoms are:

  • Day time sleeping because of interrupted night’s sleep
  • Difficulty in concentrating
  • Waking up several times during the night to go pee
  • Decreased libido or erectile dysfunction
  • Heartburn
  • Irritability
  • Morning headaches
  • Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat
In Conclusion

If you suspect that you could be having OSA, then the first thing you should do is see a doctor. Keep a record of your sleep and fatigue patterns. Ask your partner or housemate if they have ever noticed anything strange with your breathing at night. If you have been taking any medication, take it plus the information you have gathered and share it with the doctor. Appropriate medical advice will be given.


Share this story

Want our blog delivered directly to your email?

Subscribe
Subscribe to our email list now.
help series sleep problems
Previous StoryHow To Live With Restless Legs Syndrome
Next StoryHow To Live With Sleepwalking

Related Articles

  • 8 Common Symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder
    8 Common Symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder
  • Borderline Personality Disorder Diagnosis & Treatment
    Borderline Personality Disorder: Diagnosis & Treatment

Leave your comment Cancel Reply

(will not be shared)

Archives

  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • November 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018

Categories

Tags

antidepressant anxiety bipolar disorder borderline personality disorder cancer children clean eaters coronavirus covid-19 depression early sign eating disorders fatigue guide series help series homeless housing inspiring story lockdown loneliness mental health missing person myth vs fact online therapy panic attack personality disorder postnatal poverty research study schizophrenia sleep problems social skills stroke suicide telehealth telehealth care work from home young adults

WHO WE ARE

  • OUR TEAM
  • PRESS
  • CONTACT
  • FAQ

WHAT WE DO

  • OUR MISSION
  • GET INVOLVED
  • DONATE
  • BLOG

FIND US ELSEWHERE

                   

ACCREDITATION

2021 © The Bell Foundation ABN 67 180 805 426 *All donations of $2 and over are tax deductible. •Sitemap •Refund & Privacy Policy •Accessibility

Subscribe to Email Newsletter

You have successfully subscribed to the newsletter

There was an error while trying to send your request. Please try again.

Bell Foundation® will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing.