Sleep apnoea Flashcards
what is it?
this disorder is characterised by intermittent closure/ collapse of the pharyngeal airway causing apnoeic episodes during the night
what is the epworth sleepiness scale ?
used to diagnose sleep apnoea
what is snoring?
relaxation of pharyngeal dilator muscles during sleep
this leads to upper airway narrowing, turbulent airflow and vibration of soft palate and tongue base
what happens to your sleep pattern with apnoeas?
get recurrent arousals/ sleep fragmentation
what are the risk factors for sleep apnoea?
enlarged tonsils, adenoids
obesity
retrognathia - chin set back
acromegaly
oropharyngeal deformity
neurological
drugs
gabapentin
post-operative period after anaesthesia
what is acromegaly and how is it a risk factor for sleep apnoea?
large tongue, hypothydroidism - can lead to oedema of the airway
what neurological factors can cause sleep apnoea?
stroke, MS, myesthenia gravis, myotonic dystrophy
what drugs cause sleep apnoea?
benzodiazepines, opiates, alcohol, sedative drugs
what are the clinical features of sleep apnoea?
loud snoring
daytime snoring
poor sleep quality
daytime somnolence
morning headache
decreased libido
cognitive performance
what are the consequences of sleep apnoea?
excessive daytime sleepiness
personality change
cognitive/ functional impairment
major impact on daytime function
7 fold increase in RTA
driving stimulation - equivalent to being twice legal limit for alcohol
what are the complications of sleep apnoea?
independent risk factor for hypertension
activated sympathetic system - get an inflammatory response
raised CRP
impaired endothelial function - - can accelerate atherosclerosis
impaired glucose tolerance
probable increased risk of stroke and cardiovascular events
what improves all these complications?
CPAP
