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Waking up tired
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What is sleep apnea?
Find out if you have symptoms of sleep apnea
Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder characterised by repeated interruptions in breathing throughout the sleep cycle.
These interruptions, called apneas, are caused by the collapse of soft tissue in the airway, which prevents oxygen from reaching the lungs.
Non-obstructed airway
Obstructed airway
Weak muscles in the airway, a large tongue, obesity and other factors may cause airway tissue to collapse and obstruct breathing.
You’re not alone
About 10% of the adult population in the world suffers from sleep apnea, and about 90% of them have not been diagnosed.1 7% of men are living with sleep apnea. 5% of women are living with sleep apnea.
That’s significant because sleep apnea is a serious condition. Sleep apnea disrupts the sleep cycle and can dramatically impact energy, mental performance and long-term health. In some cases, if left untreated, sleep apnea can be fatal.
It can be hard to take the first steps into finding out if you have sleep apnea. We are here to help.
Sleep apnea symptoms and risks
Untreated sleep apnea is associated with a number of health risks, so it’s important to consult a sleep specialist if you have these signs and symptoms.
Nighttime symptoms
- Loud, persistent snoring
- Witnessed pauses in breathing
- Choking or gasping for air during sleep
- Restless sleep
- Frequent visits to the bathroom
Daytime symptoms
- Early-morning headaches
- Excessive daytime fatigue
- Poor concentration
- Depression or irritability
- Sleepiness during routine activities
*Mayo Clinic, “Sleep Apnea Complications,” August 2015.
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sleep-apnea/basics/complications/con-20020286
What are the risks of untreated sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea ca have serious short and long-term health risks if left untreated, including:
- High blood pressure
- Irregular heartbeat
- Heart disease / heart attack
- Stroke
- Type 2 diabetes
- Driving- and work-related accidents
Finding out your sleep apnea status in 4 simple steps
Take our Sleep quiz.
Find out whether you are high or low risk of Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Order you test kit
Place an order online and one of our Sleep Support Team will contact you to arrange delivery of the test kit at a time that suits you.
Perform the test
Follow our simple instructions to setup the kit. Sleep just one night whilst our kit monitors your sleep. Our team will then arrange for the test kit to be picked up from you.
We will send you a
digital report, analysed by specialist team and reviewed by our sleep consultant, explaining your results. If necessary, our Sleep Consultant may call you to discuss the results.
Take the first step now
Our questionnaire is the same accredited format used by the NHS and healthcare professionals across the UK and the world.
You have sleep apnea, now what?
What to expect from the home sleep test?
The Philips Home Sleep Test is simple and painless, and resulting treatment can be life changing. The test takes place in the comfort of your bed. Watch our video to learn about the test.
Philips Home Sleep Test
Patient Story: Personal Experience
Hear Steve's story and experiences with sleep apnea. Watch now
What is AHI?
The Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) is the most important number on your sleep apnea test. It measures the number of times you have an apnea (when you stop breathing for short time) or a hypopnea (when you partially stop breathing for a short time) while you’re asleep. Read an example of a sleep study test result, showing AHI and other measurements used during a sleep study.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is obstructive sleep apnea?
- Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition in which a person stops breathing repeatedly through the night. Breathing stops because the throat or “airway” collapses and prevents air from getting into the lungs. Sleep patterns are disrupted, resulting in excessive sleepiness or fatigue during the day.
- What causes the airway to close during sleep?
- Extra tissue in the back of the airway, such as large tonsils
- Decrease in the tone of the muscles that hold the airway open
- The tongue falling back and closing off the airway
- What should you do if you think you may have sleep apnea?
Evaluation by a doctor specialising in sleep disorders is recommended. Have a sleep study done. A sleep study can provide the doctor with information about how you sleep and breathe. This information will help the doctor to determine your diagnosis and treatment options. Alternatively we offer a Home Sleep Testing Service so you can understand your sleep apnea status.- What are the risks of untreated sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea can have serious short- and long-term health risks if left untreated, including:
- High blood pressure
- Irregular heartbeat
- Heart disease / heart attack
- Stroke
- Type 2 diabetes
- Driving- and work-related accidents
- What is the treatment for sleep apnea?
Most commonly, positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy is the treatment. It is noninvasive and can help with symptoms when used as prescribed. Less commonly, surgery or oral appliances are used, which may be effective in certain cases. Any treatment plan should include weight loss if needed, exercise and avoiding alcohol, sedatives and hypnotics.- How does PAP or CPAP therapy work?
-
CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) provides a gentle flow of positive-pressure air through a facial mask to keep the airway open during sleep. As a result:
- Breathing becomes regular during sleep
- Snoring stops
- Restful sleep is restored
- Quality of life is improved
- Risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, heart attack, stroke and motor vehicle and work accidents are reduced
- What are the nighttime symptoms of sleep apnea?
- Loud or disruptive snoring
- Witnessed pauses in breathing
- Choking or gasping for air during sleep
- Restless sleep
- Frequent visits to the bathroom
- What are the daytime symptoms of sleep apnea?
- Early morning headaches
- Excessive daytime fatigue
- Poor concentration
- Depression or irritability
- Falling asleep during routine activities
- What can put you at increased risk for sleep apnea?
- Overweight/obesity
- A large neck or tongue
- Extra tissue or crowding in the airway
- What does an apnea episode look like?
- What are the benefits of regular usage of PAP therapy?
Most PAP users who remain committed to treatment enjoy:
- Increased energy and attentiveness
- Fewer morning headaches
- Reduced irritability
- Improved memory
- Increased ability to exercise
- Lower blood pressure
- Decreased risk of strokes and heart attacks
- Increased effectiveness at home and at work
- Improved overall quality of life
Have a question?
We’re here to helpPhone: 0800 1300 844
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9am – 5pm GMT
Email our sleep apnea care team at src.support.uk@philips.com
Looking for more information?
Are you a sleep professional?
References
- Young T, et al. Epidemiology of obstructive sleep apnea: a population health perspective. AJRCCM 2002;165:1217-1239.
For informational purposes only, not to replace physician's directions.
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