Sleep apnoea is more than just loud snoringโit’s a serious sleep disorder affecting around 5% of Australians, particularly men over 30. Characterised by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep, it can lead to restless nights, daytime fatigue, and long-term health risks.
Whoโs at Risk of Sleep Apnoea?
While anyone can develop sleep apnoea, some people are more susceptible than others. Studies suggest that about 1 in 4 men over 30 are affected, making them three times more likely to experience the condition than women. However, recent research indicates that women may be underdiagnosed despite being frequently represented in high-risk groups (55.5% vs. 43% in diagnosed cases).
Prevalence in Australia
- General Population: Around 5% of Australians are estimated to have sleep apnoea.
- OSA Diagnosis: A 2016 Sleep Health Foundation (SHF) National Survey estimated that 8.3% of Australian adults have been diagnosed with OSA.
- Undiagnosed OSA: Research suggests that one in ten Australians may suffer from undiagnosed OSA.
Gender Differences
- OSA is more common in men than in women.
- The SHF National Survey reported that 12.9% of men and 3.7% of women had been diagnosed with OSA.
- In older men, the disorder becomes significantly more prevalent. A study showed that 49% of males aged 40โ69 years and up to 62% of males over 70 could have OSA.
How Severe Is It?
Sleep apnoea varies in intensity, based on how often breathing is interrupted:
- Normal sleep โ fewer than 5 interruptions per hour
- Mild sleep apnoea โ 5 to 15 interruptions per hour
- Moderate sleep apnoea โ 15 to 30 interruptions per hour
- Severe sleep apnoea โ more than 30 interruptions per hour
Common Symptoms
Sleep apnoea can be tricky to identify, but if you experience any of the following, it might be worth getting checked out:
- Frequent loud snoring and gasping for air during sleep
- Daytime fatigue and trouble concentrating
- Dry mouth and headaches in the morning
- Mood swings, irritability, or anxiety
- Reduced libido and erectile dysfunction
- Frequent nighttime bathroom trips
Sleep Apnoea and DrivingโA Risky Combination
Untreated sleep apnoea can make you a danger on the road. Studies show that people with significant sleep apnoea are at a higher risk of motor vehicle accidents due to impaired alertness.
If you’re in Victoria, youโre legally required to inform VicRoads of any medical condition that could impact your ability to drive. Depending on your condition, you may need a medical assessment to determine whether a conditional licence is necessary.
The Health Risks of Sleep Apnoea
Beyond tiredness, untreated sleep apnoea is linked to serious health issues, including:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease and stroke
- Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
- Increased likelihood of multiple chronic conditions such as hypertension (1.9x higher in men), gout (1.8x), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (3.8x in men, 2.0x for asthma in women)
- Higher rates of diabetes, arthritis, and mental health conditions
What Triggers Sleep Apnoea?
Several factors can contribute to sleep apnoea, including:
- Excess weight โ Extra fat around the neck can narrow the airway.
- Ageing โ Throat muscles weaken over time, increasing the risk.
- Alcohol โ Drinking before bed relaxes the throat muscles, worsening symptoms.
- Certain medical conditions โ Thyroid disorders and enlarged tonsils can contribute.
- Nasal congestion โ Blocked nasal passages make breathing harder.
- Genetics โ Some people naturally have a narrower airway or smaller jaw structure.
- Lifestyle factors โ Smoking and alcohol consumption have been linked to increased risk, though results are conflicting.
How Is Sleep Apnoea Diagnosed?
If you suspect you have sleep apnoea, your first step is to see a GP, who may refer you to a sleep specialist. A sleep study is the gold standard for diagnosis. These studies track brain signals, oxygen levels, breathing patterns, and heart rate while you sleep โ either at home or in a clinic.
The Impact on Quality of Life
Obstructive sleep apnoea isnโt just about disrupted sleepโit can significantly impact overall well-being. Diagnosed OSA is associated with sleepiness-related impairment, with men and women both experiencing significantly lower functional sleep outcomes (1.6x and 2.2x more likely to be in the lowest quartile of sleep function, respectively). Anxiety and depression also appear more common in women with OSA compared to men.
The Growing Concern of Sleep Apnoea in Australia
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is on the rise. Research suggests that between 2% and 50% of men and 2% to 23% of women have some form of sleep apnoea, though numbers vary based on diagnostic methods. The increasing prevalence is partly due to rising obesity rates and better detection tools. However, many Australians remain undiagnosed, leading to ongoing health and lifestyle impacts.
Breakthroughs in Sleep Apnoea Research
Australian research institute NeuRA is leading the charge in sleep apnoea treatment. While CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) is the most effective therapy, itโs not for everyone โ around 50% of patients struggle to use it consistently.
New Treatment Approaches
NeuRA is investigating:
- Personalised treatments โ Identifying different causes to tailor therapies.
- Non-CPAP alternatives โ Exploring new interventions for those who canโt tolerate CPAP.
- Upper airway function โ Studying muscle movements to improve airway support.
- Medication effects โ Examining how sleeping pills and opioids impact sleep apnoea.
Final Thoughts
Sleep apnoea isnโt just an annoying snore โ itโs a serious health condition with wide-ranging effects on daily life, from fatigue to heart risks. With sex-specific health conditions playing a role in diagnosis, clinical suspicion of OSA needs to be heightened for both men and women. If you or a loved one experiences symptoms, donโt ignore them. A simple sleep study could be the first step towards better sleep and better health.
If CPAP therapy isnโt for you, alternative treatments like a sleep apnoea mouthguard, such as SnoreMD, may help keep your airway open and reduce symptoms. Speak to your healthcare provider about the best treatment options for you.
