Sleep apnoea

Question 1

Types of sleep apnoea + most common type

Answer 1

Central sleep apnoea (0.5%)
Obstructive sleep apnoea (84%)
Complex/mixed (15%)

Question 2

Risk factors for sleep apnoea (5 modifiable, 5 non-modifiable)

Answer 2

1. Overweight/obese
2. GORD
3. Allergies/sinus problems
4. Alcohol/sedatives
5. Smoking
6. Male
7. Age >40
8. Anatomy (large neck, tonsils, tongue etc)
9. Family history
10. Brain tumours (CSA)

Question 3

Symptoms of sleep apnoea (3)

Answer 3

1. Snoring and apnoeic episodes (witnessed)
2. Daytime sleepiness/fatigue
3. Moodiness/poor attention etc

Question 4

Investigation + definition of an apnoeic event

Answer 4

Polysomnography

• At least 10 seconds between breaths PLUS
• Neurological arousal AND/OR
• At least 3% desaturation

Question 5

Management of sleep apnoea

Answer 5

1. Lifestyle (weight loss, avoiding alcohol/sedatives, smoking cessation, upright/lateral sleeping position)
2. Devices (mandibular advancement splint, CPAP)
3. Surgery (maxillomandibular advancement, other)

Question 6

Complications of sleep apnoea (increased risk of 9 things)

Answer 6

1. Diabetes
2. Cardiovascular disease
3. Stroke
4. Hypertension
5. Arrhythmias
6. Fatty liver
7. Memory loss
8. Sleep deprived driving accidents
9. Cancer mortality (hypoxias promotes angiogenesis)