Sleep Apnea – how it affects me and how it is treated (sleep apnoea)
Have you heard of sleep apnea or sleep apnoea? They are the same disorder but spelt differently in the UK and USA. It is a common sleep disorder that affects people of all ages and genders and causes sufferers to stop and start breathing repeatedly throughout their sleep.
This article shares my experiences of being diagnosed with sleep apnea and my understanding of it, and in no way should it replace medical advice. If you are concerned you may have sleep apnea, it is important to see your family doctor as soon as possible.
When did I get diagnosed with Sleep Apnea, and how does it affect me?
For many years, it has been suggested that I could have sleep apnea; however, when I was admitted to the hospital with COVID-19 pneumonia in February 2023, it was obvious to the staff then that I needed to have a sleep study to check for it. I was then diagnosed in May 2023 following a sleep study and appointments with the sleep studies team at my local hospital to discuss my symptoms.
I have, for many years, struggled with feeling sleepy during the day but put this down to my mental health and also my fibromyalgia; however, now I understand that whilst it could in part be down to these, it is also likely to be due to my sleep apnea.
As anyone who struggles with daytime tiredness will undoubtedly know it is so debilitating at times when you have so much to do but all you want to do is sleep.
What is a Sleep Apnea sleep study?
The first part of an assessment for obstructive sleep apnea in my area, and I believe in many areas, is a sleep questionnaire and a sleep study. If, like me, you were anxious, this would mean spending a night in the hospital being watched sleep, then don’t panic. It is nothing like that!
A sleep study, in my experience, is a little uncomfortable but nothing you can’t manage and takes place in your home in your own bed!
You are given a machine to take home for the night, which has a part clipped to your chest to record your sleep noises, a mask for over your mouth and nose to record how you breathe during the night, and a clip for on your finger overnight with a wire that is taped to your hand/arm overnight. It sounds a lot, but it isn’t too bad at all.
You take this equipment home for one night, and the instructions are clear on how to use it, and it is idiot-proof! Then, you return the equipment and a completed questionnaire to the hospital and await your results.
Within a few weeks, I was told I had obstructive sleep apnea and needed a CPAP machine. The idea of this terrified me as I had envisioned a huge machine but it isn’t anything like I imagined. For this reason, I wanted to share about it with you in the hope it puts someone else’s mind at rest.
At the appointment where I was given the CPAP machine, I was shown how to use it and given a choice of the type of mask I thought would work best for me and the way I sleep.
Could you have Sleep Apnea?
If you have been wondering why you feel lethargic even after a good night’s sleep or you keep waking up feeling short of breath, you might suffer from sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that occurs when the upper airway becomes blocked during sleep. It can affect anyone, regardless of age and gender, and it can lead to a range of severe health issues, not just sleep deprivation. But what exactly is sleep apnea?
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes breathing to stop and start repeatedly during the night. The repeated pauses in breathing can happen up to hundreds of times each night, disrupting the sleep cycle and depriving the body of oxygen. This can result in various side effects, including excessive daytime sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and high blood pressure.
Types of Sleep Apnea
There are three types of sleep apnea: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), Central Sleep Apnea (CSA), and Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome (CompSAS). OSA is the most common type of sleep apnea, and it occurs when the soft tissue in the back of the throat collapses, blocking the airway. CSA occurs when the brain fails to signal the muscles to breathe, while CompSAS is a combination of both OSA and CSA.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
It’s not easy to tell if you have sleep apnea, since it happens during sleep. However, some of the most common sleep apnea symptoms include loud snoring, gasping for air during sleep, morning headaches, dry mouth, and difficulty breathing. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s advisable to seek medical attention.
Treatment for Sleep Apnea
Fortunately, sleep apnea can be effectively treated using lifestyle changes, dental appliances, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, and surgery. Depending on the severity of the condition, your doctor may recommend a combination of these treatments to manage your sleep apnea and improve your sleep quality.
What is a CPAP machine?
CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. It’s a device that helps people with sleep apnea breathe easier while they sleep. Sleep apnea is a common disorder where a person’s breathing is disrupted during sleep, causing them to wake up frequently throughout the night. CPAP machines deliver a steady stream of pressurised air down a person’s airway through a mask worn over the nose and/or mouth.
There are many different types of CPAP machines available on the market today. Some are more advanced than others, with features like humidification and heated tubing to make breathing even more comfortable. Some machines also have built-in data tracking, which can help track your progress over time and share information with your healthcare provider.
A critical aspect of choosing a CPAP machine is finding the right mask. Various mask styles are available, including nasal pillows, nasal masks, and full-face masks. It’s crucial to choose a mask that fits you properly and is comfortable to wear, as this will ensure that you can use your CPAP machine consistently and effectively.
While sleeping with a mask over your face may seem daunting at first, most people with sleep apnea find that they quickly adapt to using a CPAP machine and experience significant improvements in the quality of their sleep. Not only does regular use of a CPAP machine lead to decreased fatigue and better overall health, it can also reduce the risk of more serious health problems related to sleep apnea, such as high blood pressure and stroke.
If you’re struggling with sleep apnea, a CPAP machine could be a game-changer for you. By delivering a steady stream of pressurized air, a CPAP machine helps keep your airway open and clear while you sleep, allowing you to breathe more easily and enjoy a more restful night’s sleep. While the thought of needing a CPAP machine may initially seem overwhelming, the benefits of better sleep and improved overall health are well worth it.
My CPAP Machine
I have included photographs of my CPAP machine throughout this article to show you how small and unobtrusive it is. I have taken it away on holiday with us, and it is really easy to set up, so don’t let that put you off. The exact CPAP machine I use can also be seen on Amazon below however mine didn’t cost me anything as it is provided on loan from the NHS.
CPAPstore – AirSense 10 AutoSet Auto CPAP with HumidAir
Buy Now →I use nasal pillows as my mask, it works well with the way I sleep on my site and is less intrusive than a face mask covering my nose and mouth. I know other people that have a face mask and that suits them perfectly so it is really up to you and your doctor to choose the best option for you.
I struggled to take a good photo of my nasal pillows, so below is a link to the one I have on Amazon so you can look and get an idea.
Buy Now → Using a CPAP machine with Asthma
As many of my longer-term readers know, I have quite severe asthma, I use 2 inhalers daily as well as a reliever inhaler when needed and often need a nebuliser or steroids, especially in winter.
I find my asthma is worse, and I have an attack if I move from somewhere warm to somewhere cool and vice versa, and breathing cold air is a real trigger for me. Initially, the CPAP machine worked well and didn’t cause me any problems as I got it in the summer (July).
In Autumn, I found that I was coughing a lot when I was using the CPAP machine as the weather cooled and put this down to the breathing of colder air, so my consultant changed my CPAP slightly to include a heated tube which warms the air a little before I breathe it. A humidifier can also add a little moisture to the air, but I have not needed that. The slightly warmer air resolved the coughing issues, so I am sure I needed that.
How has a CPAP machine helped me?
Since starting with my CPAP machine, I have felt very different, but these changes were not instantaneous. In the first month or so I didn’t notice any difference using the CPAP machine except it felt a little strange sleeping with it. After a few weeks I had got used to it but still didn’t feel any benefit. It was probably about 6 weeks before I could tell for sure that I was benefitting from the CPAP.
Since starting CPAP therapy, I have found I am less sleepy during the day and generally just feel more alert and focused on a day-to-day basis. Stuart has also noticed I rarely snore now, and as such, he sleeps much better, too!
Do you have to report having Sleep Apnea to the DVLA?
It is generally advised that you should report a diagnosis of sleep apnea to the DVLA as tiredness can affect your driving and reaction abilities. That said, your consultant will know how severe your sleep apnea is and whether they feel you need to report it or not. This will be based on the number of times an hour you stop breathing throughout the night and as such whether you have mild, moderate or severe sleep apnea.
When you are following CPAP therapy for sleep apnea usually you will no longer be at risk when you drive and can often drive again but this is something you need to speak to your doctor and the DVLA about as individual cases will be different and there is no cut and dry rule I can tell you.
Can you claim PIP for Sleep Apnea?
I have been asked a few times if my having sleep apnea means that I can claim PIP, which is a UK disability benefit. PIP is Personal Independence Payment, which is a benefit to help people who need help and support to live on a day-to-day basis, either with their care or mobility.
Having Sleep Apnea does not automatically mean you can claim PIP, nor does using a CPAP machine to sleep. PIP is assessed based on the help you need and the difficulties you face, which will differ for everyone. If you think your sleep apnea affects your life significantly, you can claim the benefit, and an assessor will decide if this is required.
Conclusion
Sleep apnea is a serious but treatable sleep disorder that can have a range of negative health impacts if not managed effectively. If you suspect that you may be suffering from sleep apnea, it’s essential to seek medical attention to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Remember, treating sleep apnea can improve both your sleep quality and overall health, leading to a happier, healthier, and more productive life.