Navigating Sleep Apnoea: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

A serious sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, leading to health complications.
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Sleep Disorders | Respiratory Health | Medical Devices | CPAP | Sleep Health | Breathing Disorders | Overcoming Sleep Apnoea
Prepared by Lee Cheng, reviewed by Dr. Helena Rodriguez

Sleep Apnoea FAQ


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What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a type of sleep-related breathing disorder, a group of sleep disorders characterized by abnormal breathing patterns during sleep. People with sleep apnea repeatedly have reductions or pauses in breathing for brief periods while they sleep.

What is obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA)?

The term ‘obstructive’ distinguishes OSA from rarer forms of sleep apnoea, such as central sleep apnoea, which is caused by the brain not sending signals to the breathing muscles during sleep. The symptoms of OSA are often first spotted by a partner, friend or family member who notices problems while you sleep.

What are the different types of sleep apnea?

The two main types of sleep apnea are obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea (CSA). In OSA, a narrowing of the airway during sleep leads to breathing disruptions. In CSA, the breathing disruptions are caused by a lack of communication between the brain and the muscles involved in breathing.

How do I know if I have sleep apnoea?

The most common tests for diagnosing sleep apnoea include: If you have daytime tiredness, sometimes a questionnaire is used to measure where you are on the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. This helps to gauge the level of sleepiness that you feel during the daytime. A high score indicates that you may have a sleeping disorder such as sleep apnoea.

What is sleep apnoea?

Sleep apnoea (also spelt apnea) is a serious sleep disorder that occurs when a person’s breathing is interrupted during sleep. It can affect anyone at any age including children.

What causes sleep apnoea?

For more information about causes, diagnosis and treatment, visit Hope2Sleep. Sleep apnoea (also spelt apnea) is a serious sleep disorder that occurs when a person’s breathing is interrupted during sleep.

What are the different types of sleep apnoea?

There are different types of sleep apnoea. The most common sleep apnoea, which occurs when there is a functional obstruction in the mouth and throat, is called obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS).

What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?

Most people with sleep apnea experience symptoms such as loud snoring and daytime sleepiness. The two main types of sleep apnea are obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea (CSA). In OSA, a narrowing of the airway during sleep leads to breathing disruptions.

Sleep Apnoea References

If you want to know more about Sleep Apnoea, consider exploring links below:

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