Sleep apnoea: what it is and how to treat it

Sleeping well is much more than just resting; it’s one of the pillars of physical and mental health. When we sleep, our body regulates its immune system, consolidates memory and adjusts its metabolism, preparing us to face the day with energy and focus.

However, getting a truly restorative night’s sleep isn’t always easy. A survey by the Sociedade Portuguesa de Pneumologia (SPP-Portuguese Society of Pulmonology) reveals that 52% of the respondents rarely or only occasionally sleep well, and 44% have used sleep medication. And one of the principal causes is sleep apnoea, a condition that, in varying degrees, affects almost one million people in Portugal.

In this article, we explain what sleep apnoea is, the causes and symptoms, and how this condition can be treated to regain peaceful and restful nights.

What is sleep apnoea?

Sleep apnoea is a condition in which breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep, often without the person’s awareness. This interruption affects the quality of sleep, keeps the body and mind constantly alert and can have significant health consequences, including extreme fatigue, difficulty concentrating, high blood pressure and a greater risk of heart problems.

Living with sleep apnoea can be frustrating and silent. Many people fail to recognise the immediate signs, or blame their fatigue on a heavy workload or stress. This condition interferes in daily life, impacting not only the afflicted person, but also those who share their resting space. Recognising this disorder is the first step towards recovering truly restorative sleep and protecting long-term health.

Symptoms of sleep apnoea

Because many of the signs go unnoticed or are attributed to other causes, identifying sleep apnoea is not always simple. Discover the principal symptoms that indicate it’s time to seek medical help.

Excessive fatigue during the day

Even after a full night’s sleep, feeling constantly tired or sleepy is a common sign of sleep apnoea. Sleep fragmentation prevents the body from reaching the deepest and most restorative stages of rest.

Loud and interrupted snoring

Snoring loudly, irregularly or with noticeable pauses may indicate obstructed breathing during the night. People suffering from apnoea are often unaware of this symptom. It is most often family members who notice it.

Concentration and memory deficits

Poor sleep quality directly affects the brain. Frequent forgetfulness, difficulty maintaining focus or a feeling of “mental fog” are clear signs that the body is not recovering properly.

Waking up feeling short of breath

Waking up suddenly and gasping for air is a red flag. This symptom occurs when the airways become temporarily blocked, interrupting sleep and increasing physical stress.

Irritability and mood swings

The impact of sleep apnoea is more than physical: rest deprivation alters emotional regulation. People suffering from this condition can feel irritable, anxious or unmotivated, for no apparent reason.

Waking up with headaches

Morning headaches are common, caused by low blood oxygen levels during the night. This symptom is often ignored, but it can be an important warning sign.

How do I know if I have sleep apnoea?

If you suspect you may have sleep apnoea, the most important step is to seek a medical specialist. Diagnosis is essential to understand the severity of the condition and determine the right treatment.

First consultation

The diagnosis is made by a pulmonologist, and the physician begins the consultation by analysing the patient’s medical history and symptoms. You should mention any signs you have noticed, as well as observations from people who live with you.

Assessment of risk factors

During the consultation, the pulmonologist assesses the factors that increase the likelihood of sleep apnoea, such as weight, age, neck structure, alcohol and tobacco consumption, gastric reflux and even the sleeping position. Before proceeding with treatment, specialists often attempt to correct or minimise factors that can aggravate the condition.

Exams 

To confirm the suspicion of sleep apnoea, exams can be performed, such as endoscopy and polysomnography (sleep study). These exams allow breathing, blood oxygen levels, heartbeat, brain activity and movements to be observed during sleep, providing the physician with a comprehensive view of the case.

Interpretation of results

After the exams, the physician analyses the results to determine the presence of sleep apnoea and its severity. Based on this assessment, the most suitable treatment plan will be defined, adapted to the patient’s needs and lifestyle.

Treatments for sleep apnoea

The treatment for sleep apnoea is adapted to the severity of the condition, the individual characteristics and risk factors identified by the physician.

Lifestyle changes

In an initial approach, attempts are often made to correct factors that aggravate sleep apnoea, such as:

• Being obese or overweight;
• Alcohol consumption at night;
• Smoking;
• Gastric reflux;
• Sleeping on your back.

When combined with other therapies, these simple changes can significantly improve symptoms and sleep quality.

Standard treatment with a CPAP machine

The standard treatment involves nightly use of a machine that delivers pressurised air to the upper airways (CPAP). This device keeps the airways open, preventing apnoea interruptions and guaranteeing continuous and restorative sleep. This treatment is highly effective and proven, and is considered the first-line intervention for most patients with sleep apnoea.

Surgical alternatives

In specific cases, a surgical intervention may be considered, with the advantage of not requiring daily use of a machine. The techniques can be less invasive, such as radiofrequency or laser, or more complex, such as surgeries to the palate, tongue base or nose, depending on the patient’s needs. 

To ensure a safe and effective solution, the type of surgery is determined by the physician based on the patient’s anatomy and severity of the apnoea.

How to improve sleep quality

Whether you suffer from this disorder or not, it is always important to adopt good sleep strategies to sleep better. Follow these tips:

• Make time for sleep (7 to 9 hours for adults);
• Keep a consistent sleep schedule;
• Prepare a calm and peaceful environment at the end of the day
• Limit exposure to light and noise;
• Avoid using a phone, computer or tablet before sleep;
• Maintain an active lifestyle and exercise regularly;
• Avoid caffeine, nicotine and alcohol intake before sleeping.

If after implementing these habits you still have difficulty falling asleep or sleeping through the night, wake up feeling extremely tired, snore intensely or experience breathing pauses during sleep, then it’s time to seek specialised help from a pulmonologist. 

Joaquim Chaves Saúde, by your side to treat sleep apnoea

It’s crucial to seek professional help as soon as signs of sleep apnoea appear, to avoid sleepless nights and the negative impact on health and wellbeing. With the right assessment and care, you can restore a regular sleep pattern, improve concentration, reduce fatigue and recover your quality of life.

At Joaquim Chaves Saúde, you can benefit from the expertise of Pulmonology specialists, including Paediatric Pulmonologists, to evaluate and treat adults and children with sleep-disordered breathing. Each case is analysed individually, to define personalised and effective solutions, from lifestyle changes to medical or surgical therapies.

Schedule your consultation now in your personal section of our website or on our app and take the first step towards more peaceful nights and a healthier life.