All about obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA)
If you have obstructive sleep apnoea, you’re definitely not alone.
According to the latest scientific research,1 more than 936 million people around the world are affected.
This remarkable figure, published in the world’s leading respiratory health journal, is nearly 10 times greater than the World Health Organization’s 2007 estimate of more than 100 million.
"More than 80% of sleep apnoea patients are undiagnosed"
explains Carlos M Nunez, MD, a study co-author and Resmed’s Chief Medical Officer.
“This raises their risk of workplace and road accidents, and can contribute to other significant health problems, such as hypertension (high blood pressure), cardiovascular disease, or even poor glucose control for diabetic patients. We know the risks and now we know the size of the problem. Addressing it starts with screening patients we know to be high risk.”
Why is sleep apnoea often undiagnosed?
With over 80% of obstructive sleep apnoea cases currently undiagnosed, there are millions of people who don’t know they’re affected2 by this common type of sleep disorder. This is in spite of repeatedly stopping breathing for 10 seconds or more throughout the night and jerking awake to avoid suffocation before the cycle starts again.
The disruptive breathing cycle causes chronic sleep deprivation, but most people don’t remember waking up to gasp for air. Instead, they’ll put their sleep apnoea symptoms down to stress or getting older. Or they end up being misdiagnosed with insomnia, migraines, chronic fatigue or other conditions.
Learn about sleep apnoea
Tell me more about sleep apnoea
Sleep apnoea is a common disorder that means you stop breathing while you sleep. But who gets sleep apnoea and why?
Take our quick quiz to assess your sleep apnoea risk
A simple sleep assessment could start your journey to better sleep and more daytime energy. Take our free online quiz to learn if you’re experiencing symptoms of sleep apnoea.
What are the symptoms and dangers of sleep apnoea?
As well as causing symptoms such as excessive daytime sleepiness and loud snoring, sleep apnoea can increase your risk of serious health problems – so it’s important to treat it quickly.
Testing and diagnosis for sleep apnoea
If you think you’re at risk of sleep apnoea, seek medical advice. And if you’re diagnosed, don’t worry: treatment is straightforward and could dramatically improve your quality of life.
Sleep apnoea treatment – including CPAP machines
Sleep apnoea is highly treatable. But what’s involved in treatment? How does CPAP work? What are the alternatives? We explain the facts to help you make a success of your therapy and enjoy a great night’s sleep.
Real people, real stories
Effective treatment for sleep apnoea can be life-changing. Watch our videos to see real people explain the benefits of CPAP therapy.
Get your “What is sleep apnoea?” ebook...
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- Identify sleep apnoea symptoms
- Learn about sleep apnoea diagnosis
- Understand different sleep apnoea treatment options
Complete the form and we’ll send you a copy.
References
- Benjafield et al. Estimation of the global prevalence and burden of obstructive sleep apnoea: a literature-based analysis. Lancet Respiratory Medicine http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2213-2600(19)30198-5.
- Hidden Health Crisis Costing America Billions, Underdiagnosing and Undertreating Obstructive Sleep Apnea Draining Healthcare System. https://aasm.org/resources/pdf/sleep-apnea-economic-crisis.pdf
Content last updated: 01/2024