Flourish - eMag - Feb 25 - Flipbook - Page 46
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
(OSA) and obesity
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is a common disorder characterised by repeated
episodes of obstructed breathing during sleep. This condition causes sleep fragmentation and
often results in daytime sleepiness.
OSA is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease and is linked to
type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and abnormal cholesterol levels.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy has been the gold standard for OSA
treatment for over 25 years. CPAP involves using pressurised air through a nasal mask to
prevent airway obstruction during sleep. It is highly effective, reducing daytime sleepiness,
improving sleep-related quality of life, and modestly lowering blood pressure.
Obesity is a primary risk factor for OSA, alongside age and male gender. Several factors
link obesity to OSA:
•
Excess fatty tissue in the upper airway walls and tongue narrows the airway, making it
prone to collapse during sleep.
•
Central obesity (fat around the stomach and abdomen) alters breathing patterns,
reducing airway diameter and increasing the risk of airway collapse.
•
Obesity may also affect the hormone leptin, altering respiratory control and
promoting OSA.
