There are number of options available. Some simple measures can help in reducing symptoms of OSA, such as:

• Weight loss
• Avoiding alcohol in the evening
• Sleeping on your side

However, these measures do not always resolve OSA. Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) is an effective treatment for OSA, which provides a gentle flow of air directly through your nose and mouth using a mask to prevent upper airway collapse, allowing you to breath more easily whilst you sleep.

PAP therapy is safe and non-invasive and may resolve the symptoms of OSA when used as prescribed.

What may happen if OSA is not treated?
There are many potential risks associated with untreated OSA. Clinical research shows a link between OSA and chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, heart disease, heart attack, stroke, obesity, type 2 diabetes, fatigue-related motor vehicle and work accidents.

Treating OSA may limit the risk of developing these life-threatening conditions and improve quality of life.

Arterial hypertension:
Having OSA may increase your risk of developing hypertension, a known cardiovascular risk factor. OSA treatment may decrease your blood pressure and your risk of cardiovascular events.

Atrial Fibrillation:
OSA may promote the development of abnormal heart rhythms such as atrial fibrillation. Furthermore, patients with atrial fibrillation and untreated OSA are more likely to have a recurrence of their atrial fibrillation following successful therapy for this cardiac condition, than patients without OSA or with properly treated OSA.

Cardiovascular diseases:
Untreated OSA causes stress to the heart which may lead to the development of serious cardiovascular diseases, such as heart failure and even myocardial infarction. However, treatment of OSA may reduce the risk of developing these types of pathologies and help patients protect their heart and their arteries.

Cerebrovascular incidents:
Evidence suggests that OSA is a significant risk factor for stroke and that the presence of OSA can make the recovery from a stroke more difficult.

Type 2 Diabetes:
People suffering from Sleep Apnoea have a greater risk of developing a resistance to insulin which can lead to Type 2 Diabetes. Clinical studies show that people who suffer with Type 2 Diabetes often have Sleep Apnoea.

If you think that you are suffering from OSA, you can take our Sleep Quiz to find out your likelihood.

If the result is positive, print the result and take a copy to your Sleep Specialist. In the meantime, Request an Info Pack that will explain more information on OSA, its treatment and some useful tips on using this treatment.