Hello, Mr Gregson. I'm Grace, the Respiratory Nurse at the GP Practice.
Thanks for coming in to talk about your sleep apnoea with me.
Hello, Grace. I'm very confused about the condition.
I'm not at all sure what I have to do now.
That's OK, Mr Gregson. I'll expain about sleep apnoea and the treatment you'll follow.
I'll also talk with you about some lifestyle changes which may help you as well.
OK. That would be very helpful
Before I start, can you tell me what sort of health problems you've been having?
I had a car accident 6 months ago and injured my nose.
Since then I've been snoring all night, according to my wife.
All I know is that I wake up exhausted every morning.
I'll explain about sleep apnoea and why it can be a problem, if you don't manage the condition.
I thought it was the snoring that was the problem.
No. Sleep apnoea is different from snoring.
Sleep apnoea is caused by the throat closing for short times during sleep.
This closes the upper airway, so breathing stops.
After a short time, the brain realises that breathing has stopped and triggers breathing again. This can sound like snoring.
So, you're saying that I stop breathing at night?
That's right. In most cases, the person suffering from sleep apnoea doesn't even realise they are waking up
and are surprised when they wake up exhausted
I see. Now I understand why I have daytime sleepiness
and I just can't seem to concentrate on anything during the day.
The important thing to remember about the condition is that it is not simply a form of insomnia.
Or a type of snoring.
If it is not managed properly, it can be a serious condition.
People with severe sleep apnoea have an increased risk of car accidents and high blood pressure
They may also be more at risk of stroke and heart attack.
Oh, that sounds very serious!
I can see it's a bit of a shock for you and a lot to take in
but there are some things which will help you manage the condition.
Treatment? Like medication?
No. It doesn't involve medication.
I'll explain a device you can use at night.
And also talk about some lifestyle changes which can be very effective.
Right. The doctor mentioned something about a special mask.
Is that correct?
That's right. It's called a CPAP mask.
CPAP means 'continuous positive airways pressure'
The mask looks a bit like an oxygen mask
but it works in a different way.
It helps to increase pressure in your throat
so that your airways do not collapse and cause you to stop breathing.
How do I use it? I hope I don't have to wear it all day.
You put the mask on in the same way as an ordinary oxygen mask
You only use it at night, to make sure that you get a good night's sleep.
OK. That seems easy enough
What about the lifestyle changes you mentioned?
Firstly, we advise you to avoid drinking alcohol or take medication which may make you sleepy
I don't take any medication which makes me sleepy
but I do drink alcohol.
Probably a bit too much, if I'm honest.
How would you feel about not drinking alcohol or limiting your intake to a small amount?
I can try to cut down
but I can't see myself giving it up altogether.
That's great that you are willing to consider cutting down.
You might find it's easier to limit your alcohol intake gradually.
Is that the only lifestyle change I have to make?
There is another thing which can make sleep apnoea worse.
That's carrying excess weight.
Have you noticed any change in your weight lately?
Yes. I started to pile on the weight after the accident.
I couldn't move about a lot for quite some time
but honestly, if I use this machine at night and get some sleep, I should be OK during the day
I might have a bit more energy.
Yes, that's certainly true, hoever, excess weight, particularly in the neck area
also plays a big part in your ability to breathe well when you are lying down.
Well, I don't know. I've always had so much trouble losing weight.
I think it would be too much for me to change all at once.
I appreciate that it seems overwhelming, but it really is very important to take as much pressure off your throat area
Remember that this is the area that iss affected in sleep apnoea.
The CPAP mach is very effective but you can make it easier for the machine
and yourself by losing even a small amount of weight.
You may be right but I wouldn't know where to start with a diet.
Would you be willing to look through this leaflet on nutrition and weight loss?
As I said before, sleep apnoea can be a serious condition.
It is very important that your condition is managed well
to avoid complications.
OK. I'll read the leaflet and make an effort to lose weight
As you say, weighing even a little bit less has a positive effect...