Sleep Apnoea Awareness

Many patients are unaware that they have sleep apnoea. This is because the symptoms, such as loud snoring, cessation of breathing, or gasping for air, typically occur during sleep and may not be noticed by the individual experiencing them.

Additionally, some symptoms, like daytime sleepiness or fatigue, can be easily attributed to other factors like poor sleep quality, stress, or a busy lifestyle, leading to a lack of awareness about the presence of sleep apnoea.

Signs and Symptoms

In some cases, the patient's bed partner or family member may be the first to notice the signs of sleep apnoea, such as loud snoring or observed episodes of stopped breathing during sleep. However, in the absence of an observant bed partner, the condition may go undetected for a long time, increasing the risk of developing associated health complications like hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic disorders.

Early Detection and Treatment

Healthcare professionals including dentists need to be aware of the signs and symptoms of sleep apnoea and ask appropriate follow-up questions when they suspect the condition in their patients.

Early detection and treatment of sleep apnoea can significantly improve the patient's quality of life and reduce the risk of associated health problems.