Research suggests that around one in five people could be suffering from obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) but are unaware of their condition. There is a need for increased awareness and better detection methods.
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Obstructive sleep apnoea
OSA is a disorder characterized by loud snoring, irregular breathing during sleep, and frequent awakenings. The condition not only results in tiredness but can also increase the risk of high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.
Although treatments and lifestyle changes can help manage OSA, the study reveals that only a small percentage of individuals with OSA symptoms have been diagnosed and are receiving proper care.
One in five people could suffer from OSA, only 3.5% are being treated
The research, led by Dr. Pauline Balagny from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Paris-Cité, France, analyzed data from 20,151 French adults. By using a questionnaire focused on heavy snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness (common OSA symptoms), high blood pressure, and obesity, the researchers determined that approximately 20.2% of participants were highly likely to have OSA. However, only 3.5% were being treated for the condition.
The study found OSA to be more prevalent in men, older individuals, those with cardiovascular disease, people of lower socioeconomic status, less physically active individuals, smokers, and those with depression symptoms. Women, on the other hand, were at a higher risk of remaining undiagnosed with OSA.
The Study
Although the study's strength lies in its large, representative sample of the French population, its weakness is the reliance on a questionnaire rather than testing participants in a sleep clinic.
Professor Winfried Randerath, Head of the European Respiratory Society’s Assembly on sleep-disordered breathing, who was not involved in the research, emphasized the need to raise awareness of OSA. Once diagnosed, patients can receive treatment and advice to lower their risk of other serious health conditions.
Dr. Balagny and her team will continue to study the links between OSA symptoms and cardiovascular diseases, as well as investigate whether OSA screening could benefit heart attack patients.
If you are interested in more details, be sure to check out the paper published in the science journal: ERJ Open Research, listed below.
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