Obstructive Sleep Apnoea

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) describes the repetitive pausing of breathing that occurs during sleep as a result of the breathing passageway or airway collapsing at the back of the throat and tongue. The symptoms of OSA include snoring, witnessed breath holding, interrupted sleep, choking and gasping. Because it is interrupted, the sleep is fragmented and of poor quality. This is why an individual with OSA will often feel tired in the morning and throughout the whole day.

Driving whilst tired is dangerous as there is an increased risk of road traffic accidents with people falling asleep at the wheel. The DVLA insist that patients with OSA have treatment with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy in order for them not to have restrictions placed on their driving license.

It is widely thought that an increase in weight may promote the development of OSA.

The severity of OSA is measured by the number of breath holds that occur during sleep as determined by an overnight respiratory monitoring test (carried out at home, using equipment supplied by Vita Clinics). Up to five breath holds per hour of sleep is regarded as acceptable with no treatment necessary. Between 5 and 15 breath holds per hour is regarded as mild OSA. Lifestyle measures where applicable are suggested e.g. weight loss. Between 15 and 30 breath holds per hour indicates moderate severity of OSA and in such a group, there is an increased risk of high blood pressure and diabetes. CPAP therapy is recommended in such individuals. Over 30 breath holds per hour is regarded as severe OSA and CPAP is recommended even in the absence of other health issues.

CPAP will often quickly provide an excellent improvement in daytime function and sleepiness, as well as improving blood pressure that previously may be have been difficult to control. Untreated OSA has been shown to increase the risk of heart disease and strokes.

CPAP will be demonstrated in the clinic. CPAP can be obtained via the NHS but this will depend on whether funding is available through the patient’s own primary care trust (PCT), and there can be a lengthy wait. CPAP can be obtained immediately from Vita Clinics working in partnership with a national supplier.

A significant number of patients with morbid obesity are at risk of, or may already have, sleep apnoea. OSA means that many Bariatric Surgeons and Anaesthetists will be reluctant to operate due to the associated risks. By offering diagnosis and treatment,

Vita Clinics are the only weight management healthcare provider to offer expert diagnosis and management of sleep apnoea associated with morbid obesity. Do you have or think you may have sleep apnoea, and worry this may stop you getting surgery?

Vita Clinics can help many patients proceed to surgery by stabilising or resolving their OSA. To find out more about the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of OSA, and the associated costs, please call us on 0800 849 4050 or click here.