Sleep Apnea is a sleep disorder that affects approximately 10-20% of the population and simply means pauses in breathing during sleep. Sufferers of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) stop breathing for 10 seconds or more due to complete or partial blockage of the airway because the muscles in the throat fail to keep the airway open in a state of sleep.  It is most commonly seen in males over the age of 40 but can affect women, young children and even babies. It can dramatically affect your lifestyle and in some severe cases, be life threatening. In severe cases people may stop breathing 30 times or more per hour. When you stop breathing your body wakes up from a deep state of sleep to be able to take a breath. This means you are not getting oxygen for 10 seconds or more and your sleep cycle is disrupted hundreds of times a night. This in itself is hard on your body. OSA is diagnosed at a sleep clinic with an AHI (Apnea Hypopnea Index) which is the number of times per hour where there is a pause in breathing with a complete or partial blockage of the airway and abnormally slow or shallow breath as follows:

  • Normal: AHI 0-4
  • Mild sleep apnea: AHI 5-14
  • Moderate sleep apnea: AHI 15-29
  • Severe sleep apnea: AHI 30 or more

 OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea) is treatable with CPAP machines (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure), APAP (Automatic Positive Airway Pressure) and Bi-Pap (Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure) which provides pressurized air through a mask or nasal prongs to keep your airway open. For mild cases, mouth guards may be an option to position the jaw and open the airway. If a doctor suspects you may have sleep apnea they will refer you to a sleep clinic and an overnight stay will determine if you have OSA and how severe. If you are diagnosed with OSA, the sleep clinic will then likely refer you to a home healthcare company that specializes in fitting you with a CPAP machine and mask.

Professional drivers who are diagnosed with OSA especially need to seek treatment so they are not a danger to themselves and others on the road. In some cases, depending on your severity and if treatment is denied, Physicians are required to report them to the MTO and they will need to prove they are treating their sleep apnea to continue driving. There are options for equipment to be used in your truck as well.

Sleep apnea occurs in all age groups and both sexes, but there are a number of factors that may put you at higher risk:

  • A family history of sleep apnea
  • Having a small upper airway
  • Being overweight
  • Having a recessed chin, small jaw, or a large overbite
  • A large neck size (17 inches or greater for men, 16 inches or greater for women)
  • Smoking and alcohol use
  • Being age 40 or older
  • Ethnicity
  • Hypertension
  • Diabetes

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

  • Loud snoring
  • Morning headaches and nausea
  • Gasping or choking while sleeping
  • Loss of sex drive/impotence
  • Excessive daytime sleepiness
  • Irritability and/or feelings of depression
  • Disturbed sleep
  • Concentration and memory problems
  • Frequent nighttime urination

What are the Risks of Untreated Sleep Apnea?

  • High blood pressure
  • Heart disease
  • Stroke
  • Fatigue-related motor vehicle and work accidents
  • Decreased concentration and memory
  • Decreased quality of life

 

If you have questions about sleep apnea, CPAP machines or masks, please reach out for more information and speak to your doctor or home healthcare provider.  Treatment can dramatically improve your health and lifestyle and secure your career as a professional Driver.

 

Lisa Phillips

Marketing Communications Manager

Challenger

Cambridge