Sleep awareness week 2000
10 November, 2000
The focus of this week (13-19 November) is sleep apnoea, and the problems associated with people who are suffering from the condition driving on the roads.
Les Louttit, President of the NSW branch of Sleep Disorders Australia, said that the organisation aims to raise awareness of sleep apnoea. ‘We want people to think that maybe it isn’t just old age, maybe it’s not burning the candle at both ends; it could be a sleep disorder. Basically, we want to get them off the road and get them checked out,’ he said.
The dangers are recognised by the National Road Transport Commission, which is aiming to educate drivers about the need for enough sleep and a healthy lifestyle. Fatigue, lack of sleep and sleeping disorders have been identified as factors in up to 30 per cent of heavy vehicle accidents in Australia.
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is caused by the relaxing of the muscles controlling the tongue and soft palate that hold the airway open. When the muscles relax, the airway narrows and breathing becomes difficult. OSA results if the airway becomes blocked completely and breathing is impossible.
When the brain realises there is a shortage of oxygen, the person will wake up and start breathing again with a loud gasp or snort. This may occur several hundred times during one night’s sleep.
Some of the main symptoms of sleep apnoea are loud snoring; restless sleep; lethargy; morning headaches; disorientation; and personality changes such as excessive irritability.
Excessive daytime sleepiness is also a major problem: people may fall asleep in front of their television or while driving their car.
Les Louttit is well qualified to discuss sleep apnoea – he has suffered from it for the past 15 years.
He said that although sleep apnoea could affect anyone, the biggest proportion of sufferers are older males, although the incidence in females increases after menopause.
Sleep apnoea can be treated using a Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device, developed by Professor Colin Sullivan of the Department of Medicine at the University of Sydney.
The mechanical device provides air at the correct pressure through a nasal mask connected to an air pump.
‘CPAP is simple, and it is so terribly effective,’ said Mr Louttit, ‘the change in quality of life is remarkable’.
‘SDA is a voluntary organisation that offers support to individuals and their families living with sleep disorders throughout Australia. We try to provide emotional as well as financial support.’
Mr Louttit said a diagnosis of sleep apnoea need not be a burden. ‘We provide a buddy system that links people newly diagnosed with sleep apnoea with experienced CPAP users: we are here for support.’
Last Reviewed: 10 November 2000
