Sleep Disorders Flashcards
What is obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome?
Recurrent episodes of upper airway obstruction/collapse of pharyngeal airway, leading to episodes of apnoea during sleep in which the individual will stop breathing periodically for up to a few minutes
What are the causes of sleep apnoea?
Obesity
Narrow pharynx
Associated conditions:
- HTN
- Endocrine disorders
Describe the presentation of sleep apnoea
Heavy snoring
Daytime sleepiness/somnolence
Poor daytime concentration
Unrefreshing sleep
What investigations are used in sleep apnoea diagnosis?
Epworth Questionnaire
Pulse Oximetry
Limited Sleep Study/Embletta
Polysomnography
What is the Epworth questionnaire?
Patient scores how likely they are to fall asleep
Describe how pulse oximetry works
Device is strapped to patient’s wrist
Stores data of O2 saturation and pulse over sleep
Small rises in pulse shows upper airway obstruction
Describe how limited sleep studies work?
Band goes around patient’s abdomen and chest while tube records nasal flow
Describe how polysomnography works
EEG records stages of sleep
EOG records eye movement
ECG measures HR
What Epworth score is normal?
0-5
What Epworth score suggests mild sleep apnoea?
5-15
What Epworth score suggests moderate sleep apnoea?
15-30
What Epworth score suggests severe sleep apnoea?
>30
What is the management of sleep apnoea?
Weight reduction
Alcohol avoidance: As increases snoring
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
Mandibular Repositioning Splint
Inform DVLA
Describe how CPAP works
Mask goes over patient’s nose
Machine gives out air, keeping tissues apart and splinting airways open
Describe how the mandibular repositioning splint works?
Brings tongue forward, creating more space at back of throat
