Coming soon

Health Conditions / Sleep Health and Sleep Disorders / Sleep Apnea

Sleep Apnea

Also known asSleep Apnoea · Obstructive Sleep Apnoea · OSA · Snoring · Breathing Pauses in Sleep · 睡眠呼吸暂停 · 打鼾 · 打呼噜

What it is

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) happens when the throat muscles relax and the airway narrows or closes during sleep, so breathing stops for seconds at a time, many times a night. Signs are loud snoring, gasping or choking, a dry mouth or headache on waking, and strong daytime sleepiness. A partner often notices it first.

It is more common with excess weight (especially around the neck), in men, with age, and with alcohol and sedatives. Untreated, it raises the risk of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, irregular heartbeat, stroke and accidents.

How food and lifestyle can help

Losing weight can reduce the number of breathing pauses and in some people cures mild sleep apnoea. Avoiding alcohol in the evening, sleeping on your side and avoiding sedatives help. The main treatment for moderate and severe cases is a CPAP machine, prescribed after a sleep study.

Foods and nutrients to focus on

  1. A Mediterranean-style, weight-reducing eating pattern: vegetables, fruit, whole grains, beans, fish and olive oil.
  2. Steady, lasting weight loss: see Overweight and Obesity.
  3. A lighter evening meal, finished at least two to three hours before bed.

Foods and drinks to limit

  1. Alcohol in the evening, which relaxes the throat further.
  2. Heavy, fatty meals late at night.
  3. Sleeping tablets or sedatives unless prescribed with sleep apnoea in mind.

Good to know

  1. Drowsy driving is dangerous: do not drive if you feel sleepy.
  2. Sleep apnoea is linked to High Blood Pressure and Type 2 Diabetes; treating it helps both.
  3. Weight-loss medicines and surgery are options for some people with obesity and sleep apnoea.

When to see a doctor

  1. Loud snoring with pauses in breathing, gasping or choking at night.
  2. Daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, or falling asleep when driving or at work.
  3. High blood pressure that is hard to control.

This page is general information, not medical advice. If you have a medical condition or take medicines, check changes to your diet with your doctor or a registered dietitian.

NHS — Obstructive sleep apnoea, used for the main facts: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/obstructive-sleep-apnoea/

Comments

No comments yet.