INDICATORS FOR OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNOEA  (OSA)

 

 

 

• Loud excessive snoring  – reported by sleeping partner
•  Falling asleep at odd times, excessive daytime sleepiness , tiredness, falling asleep while driving
• Witnessed apnoeas are a complete stop in breathing while sleeping, gasping for air during sleep,  – reported from sleeping partner
•  Family History – A parent who has OSA
• Age – increases with age
• Sex – males > females
• Weight – Body Mass Index: Caucasians >30 : Asians >27
• Epworth Sleepiness Scale – assesses excessive daytime sleepiness
• Anthropomorphic characteristics– body shape, retruded chin, short thick neck, large tongue and long soft palate
  

 

 

EPWORTH SLEEPINESS SCALE

There is a strong correlation between Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores and predicting obstructive sleep apnoea.

The Epworth scale assesses the amount of excessive daytime sleepiness.

Patients fill out the Epworth Sleepiness Scale before and after treatment with MAS

You can assess yourself by clicking onto the link below.
(SEE LINK)
Epworth Sleepiness Scale Form

 

Sleep Physician and Sleep Studies
It is advisable to consult a specialist sleep physician if Sleep Apnoea is suspected.

Although there may be indicators that someone suffers from sleep apnoea, the only definitive test for sleep apnoea is to have an overnight sleep study in a sleep clinic. The sleep study records the number of apnoea/hypopnoea episodes, oxygen saturation, stages of sleep, length of each stage of sleep, restlessness, leg movements and postural positions. From the results of the sleep study a sleep physician can determine the severity of the sleep apnoea and recommend treatment tailored to that individual.

It is now possible to have a take home sleep study test where recordings are made at your own home. These tests although not considered definitive are useful screening tests.

You can see an example of a sleep study by clicking on the link below
(SEE LINK)