typically present for many years (often from childhood)
may be exacerbated following the ingestion of alcohol before bedtime or following an increase in body weight
apnoeic episodes characterized by cessation of breathing/choking episodes
usually noticed by the bed partner and sometimes he/she may awaken the patient to reestablish the breathing
termination of the apnoeic event is often associated with loud snores and vocalizations that consist of gasps, moans, or mumblings
patients are often unaware of these loud snoring and breathing difficulty or of the frequent arousals and brief awakenings that occur throughout the night.
excessive daytime sleepiness
most common presenting symptom
causes day time fatigue and concentration difficulties
occurs when the patient is relaxing e.g. - when sitting, reading or watching television
in extreme cases patient may fall asleep while actively conversing, eating, walking or driving
in addition there can be symptoms which are commonly observed upon awakening
feeling unrefreshed
feelings of disorientation, grogginess, mental dullness, and incoordination
severe dryness of the mouth – often results in patient drinking water during the night or upon waking in the morning
morning headaches – characteristically dull and generalized and often lasts for 1-2 hours
irritability, changes in personality
nocturia
loss of libido
sleep quality of bedpartners may also be affected (1,2,3)
Note:
obstructive sleep apnoea may be a modifiable factor for vascular disease
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