21 Aug Recognising sleep apnoea: How we detect breathing interruptions in you

Interrupted breathing during sleep is a serious condition that often goes unrecognised. Sleep apnoea can significantly impair quality of life and lead to long-term health problems. It is important to recognise the signs early and take appropriate measures. Find out below what options are available and how you can avoid an appointment in a sleep laboratory.

What is sleep apnoea?

Sleep apnoea is one of the sleep-related breathing disorders. This occurs during sleep in addition to loud Snoring repeated interruptions in breathing. These so-called apnoeas last about ten seconds or longer. They end in Shortness of breath and sudden awakening with gasping for oxygen.

There are two main types of sleep apnoea, which can also occur in a mixed form:

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA)

This is the most common form and occurs when the muscles in the throat relax during sleep. This can partially or completely block the airway, causing short periods of apnoea. The brain reacts to this and tries to reopen the airway by waking the body. As this can happen several times a night, OSA significantly impairs the quality of sleep.

Central sleep apnoea (ZSA)

This form is less common and occurs when the brain temporarily stops activating the respiratory muscles during sleep. In contrast to obstructive sleep apnoea, there is no blockage of the airways, but a problem in the central control of the breathing process.

What consequences can sleep apnoea have?

Frequent breathing interruptions during sleep can have a significant impact on both quality of life and long-term health. Possible consequences of sleep apnoea are

Daytime tiredness and exhaustion

Due to the repeated interruptions to sleep, those affected often suffer from extreme daytime tiredness, difficulty concentrating and reduced performance. This can lead to problems at work, in everyday life and when driving - which increases the risk of accidents.

Cardiovascular diseases

Untreated sleep apnoea significantly increases the risk of high blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, heart attacks and strokes. The recurring interruptions in breathing at night put a strain on the cardiovascular system, as the body is constantly under stress to ensure the supply of oxygen.

Diabetes

In some cases, sleep apnoea is also associated with impaired insulin sensitivity. This can promote the development of type 2 diabetes. The condition can also worsen blood sugar control in existing diabetes patients.

Weight gain

Disturbed sleep affects the metabolism and promotes food cravings. This is why many people with sleep apnoea tend to put on weight. Being overweight can further aggravate the symptoms of apnoea.

Mental health

Sleep apnoea can lead to mood disorders as well as depression, anxiety and irritability. Chronic exhaustion impairs emotional well-being.

Reduced quality of life

The constant fatigue and health problems can diminish social life and general life satisfaction.

Sexual dysfunction

Furthermore, sleep apnoea can lead to erectile dysfunction in men and a decrease in sexual desire in women. This is related to both physical exhaustion and the limited oxygen supply during sleep.

Tips for recognising sleep apnoea yourself

Sleep apnoea can often be difficult to recognise yourself, as sufferers are usually not consciously aware of breathing interruptions. Nevertheless, there are methods that can help you to become aware of possible sleep apnoea:

Ask your partner/family

A common sign of sleep apnoea is loud, irregular snoring followed by pauses in breathing. This is often noticed by your partner or other family members who observe your sleep. If you receive such feedback, you should take it seriously.

Daytime tiredness and exhaustion

Those affected do not feel refreshed after waking up and struggle with tiredness throughout the day. If you are often exhausted or unable to concentrate during the day despite getting enough sleep, this could also be a sign of sleep apnoea.

Morning headache

Headaches after waking up can be another symptom. It is caused by the lack of oxygen during the nightly breathing pauses.

Dry mouth or sore throat on waking

People with sleep apnoea often breathe through their mouth as the throat is blocked during breathing pauses. This dries out the mucous membranes and often causes a raw throat in the morning.

Sudden awakening with shortness of breath

If you regularly wake up abruptly with a feeling of lack of air, this is a serious sign of sleep apnoea.

Self-observation through recordings

It can be helpful to record your sleep using audio recordings or special apps that register snoring and breathing pauses.

Recognising sleep apnoea: State-of-the-art and effective examination in our ENT practice clinic in Frankfurt

The methods mentioned above can provide initial indications that you may be experiencing breathing interruptions during sleep. If the signals become more frequent, you should definitely make an appointment at our ENT clinic in Frankfurt to have this investigated in more detail.

For diagnostics, we use the WatchPAT. This extremely innovative device utilises the so-called PAT technology (Peripheral Arterial Tone). This interprets changes in peripheral arterial tone. In addition, it uses various sensors that record a variety of physiological parameters, including:

Oxygen saturation

The device monitors the oxygen level in your blood while you sleep.

Pulse wave analysis

The WatchPAT records the pulse rate and its fluctuations, which can be associated with breathing interruptions.

Activity of the airways

Respiratory movements are also measured and any breathing pauses are recorded.

Heart rate

The device also tracks your heart rate variability, which can indicate sleep apnoea.

Body movements

The fact that the WatchPAT measures movements during sleep also allows us to draw conclusions about the quality of sleep and possible disorders.

The WatchPAT has these advantages for you in the diagnosis of sleep apnoea

Examination with the WatchPAT device offers a number of advantages that make it an attractive option for the Diagnosis of sleep apnoea and other sleep-related breathing disorders:

Convenient use at home

In contrast to conventional sleep laboratory tests, you can use the WatchPAT in the comfort of your own home. This reduces stress and enables a more natural sleep situation.

Easy handling

The device is user-friendly and easy to operate. It is worn on the wrist and requires no complicated wiring or complex settings.

Accuracy

Several clinical studies confirm the accuracy of this method. They are comparable with the results from the sleep laboratory.

Comprehensive data acquisition

The device records a wide range of physiological data. This comprehensive information enables us to carry out a detailed analysis.

Fast evaluation

After use, the device analyses the collected data automatically. This means that the results are available to us promptly. This speeds up the diagnostic process and enables your treatment to be initiated more quickly.

Simple repeatability

As the device is easy to use and does not require any complex set-up, we can easily repeat measurements if necessary. This allows us to monitor the progression of sleep apnoea or check the success of a therapy.

Recognising sleep apnoea in Frankfurt

The WatchPAT is a valuable option for the diagnosis of sleep apnoea - especially if you are looking for a comfortable and accurate solution and do not want to spend a night in a sleep laboratory. If the result is "positive", there are various treatment methods such as the use of breathing therapy devices, special dental or breathing splints or (in severe cases) Surgical interventions.

Feel free to contact us to make an appointment at our ENT clinic in Frankfurt - for better health and a higher quality of life!

ENT Frankfurt: Dr Thomas Fischer & Dr Albrecht Linke

Your specialists for ear, nose and throat medicine, who will provide you with professional and individualised advice, examinations and treatment in all matters relating to ENT medicine, functional plastic surgery and the aesthetic treatment of changes to the facial skin.

Our news articles are prepared for you to the best of our knowledge and belief and are intended for general education. They are in no way a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis and treatment and are not intended to encourage self-diagnosis or self-treatment. Please always contact your ENT specialist in Frankfurt directly if you have any health complaints!

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