Experts warn that undiagnosed sleep apnoea could affect millions and reduce life expectancy significantly
Stoke-on-Trent: Medical experts are raising alarms about a condition that might be impacting millions in the UK without them even knowing. It’s called sleep apnoea, and it’s more common than you might think.
So, what is sleep apnoea? It’s when your breathing stops and starts while you’re catching some Z’s. The most common type is obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), and the NHS says it’s crucial to get it treated since it can lead to serious health issues.
According to the University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust, if you have undiagnosed OSA, you’re ten times more likely to be in a car accident. Plus, it can cut your life expectancy by up to 20%. That’s a big deal! And it’s costing the NHS around £28 million every year.
Now, the symptoms usually pop up while you’re asleep. You might notice your breathing stopping, snoring loudly, or even waking up gasping for air. During the day, you could feel super tired, have trouble focusing, or even get mood swings and headaches.
The NHS suggests that it can be tricky to figure out if you have sleep apnoea. They recommend asking someone to stay with you while you sleep to spot any symptoms. If left untreated, it can lead to other health problems like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, depression, and a higher risk of stroke.
If you think you might have sleep apnoea, don’t hesitate to see your GP. It can also help to bring someone along who has noticed your symptoms.
