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Sleep apnoea Q&As

Published by Bupa's health information team, November 2008.

Answers to questions about sleep apnoea

This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.

Will I be able to sleep using continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)?

Usually, yes. It may take a few nights to adjust to sleeping with CPAP, however, once you have become used to it, you can expect a dramatic improvement in your quality of life.

Explanation

CPAP pumps are small and very quiet, so they shouldn't disturb your sleep with noise. Wearing the mask may be awkward at first, but you will probably get used to it over time. Then you will sleep much better and won't feel as tired in the day anymore.

Further information

Sources

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Can sleep apnoea run in families?

This isn't certain. Sleep apnoea can have many causes, and it's possible some of these may run in families.

Explanation

Physical factors such as tonsil size, a large uvula or overbite could potentially run in a family and make snoring and sleep apnoea more likely.

Being obese or overweight also makes snoring and sleep apnoea more likely. While how much you weigh mostly depends on your diet and how much exercise you do, it's also possible that some people inherit genes that pre-dispose them to obesity. This could also make snoring more likely in some families.

Further information

Sources

  • Guidelines for GPs and other doctors. The Sleep apnoea Trust. www.sleep-apnoea-trust.org, accessed 14 March 2008
  • Snoring. Parker RJ, Hardinge M, Jeffries C. BMJ 2005; 311:1063. www.bmj.com
  • Frayling TM, Timpson NJ, Weedon MN et al.,A common variant in the FTO gene is associated with body mass index and predisposes to childhood and adult obesity. Science 2007; 316 (5826): 889-894
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If I stop breathing when I sleep, is there a risk that I won't start again, and die?

No, this isn't a danger.

Explanation

When sleep apnoea stops you breathing, your body begins to get starved of oxygen. However, even when you are asleep, a part of your brain causes you to wake up and start breathing again. Usually you aren't aware of this and will fall asleep again. This may become a regular cycle. You may sometimes be aware of waking up with an out-of-breath sensation.

Sources

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Related topics

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This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Dr James Quekett, Bsc, MB, ChB, MRCGP, DRCOG, DFFP, General Practitioner (GP) and GP Appraiser, Gloucestershire, and by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.

Publication date: November 2008

 

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