Sleep Apnoea: Sleep Apnoea Clinic London | Consultant led Diagnosis & Management
What is sleep apnoea?
If you or a partner are concerned about consistently loud snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness or periods of silence followed by gasping during the night, a thorough medical assessment is really important. Sleep Apnoea is a common yet serious sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts. Left untreated, it can impact your health, cognitive function and cardiovascular system.
At our clinic Dr Patel offers comprehensive and expert assessment, diagnosis and management of sleep apnoea.
Understanding sleep apnoea
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA): This occurs when the muscles at the back of the throat relax excessively during sleep, causing the airway to narrow or collapse. This prevents adequate oxygen intake, prompting the brain to briefly wake the individual to resume normal breathing.
Key symptoms and risk factors
Identifying sleep apnoea often begins with recognising common symptoms that affect both night-time rest and daytime functioning.
Common symptoms include:
- Loud, chronic snoring.
- Waking up abruptly with a choking or gasping sensation.
- Excessive daytime sleepiness or lack of energy. You can try the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) on the Asthma and Lung UK website.
- Morning headaches or a dry throat upon waking.
- Interrupted sleep or frequent awakenings.
- Forgetfulness, reduced concentration or mood swings.
- Snoring, tiredness and a risk of sleep apnea – You can try the STOP-BANG test to find out more.
Risk factors associated with OSA:
- Weight: Being overweight, as fat deposits can obstruct the upper airway.
- Anatomy: Having a thick neck circumference or narrowed airways.
- Gender and Age: Being male or an older adult.
- Lifestyle: Smoking or regular consumption of alcohol or sedatives.
Expert diagnosis and testing
Accurate diagnosis is the critical first step. Our clinic provides a specialist, consultant-led approach to ensure precise diagnosis and a fully personalised treatment plan.
Diagnosis typically involves a a sleep study. This sleep study is usually carried out at home and allows Dr Patel to assess the severity and type of your sleep apnoea.
Consultant-led treatment and CPAP management
Treatment for sleep apnoea is highly effective and aims to improve health and quality of life.
The two most common and effective treatment methods are:
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP).:This involves wearing a mask over your nose or mouth while sleeping. It is connected to a machine that helps prevent the obstructive episodes. Our clinic is able to provide thorough instruction on machine usage, mask fitting and ongoing monitoring to ensure optimal compliance and benefit from your CPAP therapy.
Mandibular repostining device: This is a bespoke fitted appliance made by a specialist dentist that help reduce episodes of obstruction.
Treatment may also include targeted lifestyle changes (such as weight loss or avoiding alcohol) In rare cases surgical procedures may be considered.
Book your specialist consultation
Do not let undiagnosed sleep apnoea compromise your health, safety and energy levels. If you are concerned about symptoms or require expert CPAP management, we are here to provide the highest standard of respiratory care in London.
Contact Dr Amit Patel today to book a specialist consultation and take the first step toward restorative, healthy sleep.