Obstructive Sleep Apnoea is an interruption of breathing during sleep caused by the tongue and / or excessive tissue completely blocking the airway.

In normal breathing, the air is drawn through the nose and passes soft tissues at the back of the throat (including the uvula, soft palate and tongue). While you are awake, airways are held open by the tone of the muscles around them. However, when you fall asleep the muscles relax.

In some people, the soft tissues will relax too much or collapse which leads to the obstruction of airways. The person will then unconsciously breathe harder using the chest wall and diaphragm, in an attempt to unblock the obstruction. However, the harder the person tries to breathe, the more the walls of the airway collapse. When the oxygen level in the brain becomes low enough, the sleeper will partially awaken. The obstruction clears and air begins to flow again – usually causing the sleeper to snort and gasp. These sessions generally last between 10 seconds and two minutes. Generally the sufferer will have no idea of these episodes but will find sleep is not refreshing.

If breathing is absent for more then 10seconds this is what is considered ‘Obstructive Sleep Apnoea’.

Older obese men are at a higher risk of developing Obstructive Sleep Apnoea. A large neck, nasal obstruction, narrow airways and certain shapes of the palate and jaw will increase your risk of developing OSA.

For more information, please contact Dr. Harrison at Snoring Solutions today on 1300 4U2SLEEP (1300 4827 5337) or click here to email us now.