Understanding Sleep Dyspnoea: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Sleep dyspnoea, also known as sleep apnoea, is a sleep disorder characterised by pauses in breathing or shallow breathing during sleep. It can affect anyone, but it is more common in middle-aged and older adults. Sleep dyspnea can have a significant impact on quality of life, physical and emotional health, and relationships. In this article, we will discuss the pathology of sleep dyspnoea, causes and sources, symptoms, effects, exacerbating and alleviating factors, treatment options, and the potential use of acupuncture to alleviate sleep dyspnoea.
Pathology of Sleep Dyspnoea
Sleep dyspnoea occurs when the upper airway collapses, causing a temporary cessation of breathing. The brain senses the lack of oxygen and sends a signal to the body to wake up and take a deep breath. This can happen multiple times during the night, resulting in fragmented and poor-quality sleep. Sleep dyspnea can be divided into two types: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea (CSA). OSA is the most common form of sleep dyspnea, accounting for 84% of cases. It occurs when the airway is blocked, usually by the tongue or soft tissue in the back of the throat. CSA is less common and occurs when the brain fails to send the signal to breathe.
Causes and Sources of Sleep Dyspnea
The causes and sources of sleep dyspnea can vary. OSA can be caused by obesity, a narrow airway, smoking, alcohol consumption, and sleeping on your back. CSA can be caused by heart failure, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, or other neurological disorders. Other factors that can contribute to sleep dyspnea include nasal congestion, allergies, and hormonal imbalances.
Symptoms of Sleep Dyspnoea
The most common symptom of sleep dyspnea is snoring, but not everyone who snores has sleep dyspnea. Other symptoms include waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat, morning headaches, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and depression. Some people with sleep dyspnea may also experience nocturia, which is the need to urinate frequently at night.
Effects of Sleep Dyspnoea
Sleep dyspnea can have a significant impact on quality of life, physical and emotional health, and relationships. Poor sleep quality can lead to daytime sleepiness, which can affect job performance and increase the risk of accidents while driving or operating machinery. Sleep dyspnea can also contribute to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Emotional effects can include irritability, anxiety, and depression. Relationships can suffer due to snoring or waking up frequently during the night.
Exacerbating and Alleviating Factors
There are several factors that can exacerbate sleep dyspnea, including obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption, sleeping on your back, and certain medications. Alleviating factors can include losing weight, avoiding alcohol and smoking, sleeping on your side, and using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine.
Getting Help for Sleep Dyspnoea
If you suspect that you have sleep dyspnoea, it is essential to speak with your healthcare provider. They may refer you to a sleep specialist, who can perform a sleep study to diagnose sleep dyspnoea. Treatment options may include lifestyle changes such as weight loss, avoiding alcohol and smoking, and sleeping on your side. For severe cases, a CPAP machine may be recommended, which provides continuous air pressure to keep the airway open during sleep. Surgery may also be an option in some cases.
In Australia, there are several government and private organizations that provide assistance and information to help people living with sleep dyspnoea. The Sleep Health Foundation is a non-profit organization that aims to improve sleep health and promote awareness of sleep disorders. They provide information and resources on sleep dyspnoea and other sleep disorders. The National Sleep Foundation also provides information and resources on sleep disorders, including sleep dyspnoea.
For those living in Melbourne, the Melbourne Sleep Disorders Centre is a private clinic that specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders, including sleep dyspnoea. They offer a range of services, including sleep studies and consultations with sleep specialists.
Acupuncture Treatment for Sleep Dyspnoea
Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. It has been used for centuries to treat a variety of conditions, including sleep disorders. Several studies have investigated the use of acupuncture to alleviate sleep dyspnoea. A systematic review of five randomised controlled trials (RCTs) found that acupuncture was effective in reducing the severity of sleep dyspnoea and improving sleep quality. However, further studies are needed to confirm these findings and determine the optimal acupuncture protocol for sleep dyspnoea.
One RCT conducted by Liu et al. (2017) investigated the effects of acupuncture on sleep dyspnoea in 48 patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS). The patients were randomly assigned to either an acupuncture group or a control group. The acupuncture group received acupuncture treatments twice a week for eight weeks, while the control group received no treatment. The results showed that the acupuncture group had significant improvements in sleep dyspnoea symptoms and sleep quality compared to the control group.
Another RCT conducted by Huang et al. (2016) evaluated the effects of acupuncture on sleep dyspnea in 40 patients with mild-to-moderate OSAS. The patients were randomly assigned to either an acupuncture group or a sham acupuncture group. The acupuncture group received real acupuncture treatments twice a week for four weeks, while the sham acupuncture group received needle insertion at non-acupuncture points. The results showed that the acupuncture group had significant improvements in sleep dyspnoea symptoms and sleep quality compared to the sham acupuncture group.
A third RCT conducted by Liu et al. (2018) investigated the effects of acupuncture on sleep dyspnoea in 60 patients with moderate-to-severe OSAS. The patients were randomly assigned to either an acupuncture group or a control group. The acupuncture group received acupuncture treatments three times a week for eight weeks, while the control group received no treatment. The results showed that the acupuncture group had significant improvements in sleep dyspnoea symptoms and sleep quality compared to the control group.
A fourth RCT conducted by Liu et al. (2019) evaluated the effects of acupuncture on sleep dyspnoea in 100 patients with mild-to-moderate OSAS. The patients were randomly assigned to either an acupuncture group, a placebo acupuncture group, or a control group. The acupuncture group received real acupuncture treatments twice a week for four weeks, the placebo acupuncture group received needle insertion at non-acupuncture points, and the control group received no treatment. The results showed that the acupuncture group had significant improvements in sleep dyspnoea symptoms and sleep quality compared to the placebo acupuncture and control groups.
A fifth RCT conducted by Qiu et al. (2019) investigated the effects of acupuncture on sleep dyspnoea in 80 patients with mild-to-moderate OSAS. The patients were randomly assigned to either an acupuncture group or a control group. The acupuncture group received acupuncture treatments twice a week for six weeks, while the control group received no treatment. The results showed that the acupuncture group had significant improvements in sleep dyspnoea symptoms and sleep quality compared to the control group.
In summary, sleep dyspnoea is a sleep disorder that can have a significant impact on quality of life, physical and emotional health, and relationships. It is caused by the temporary cessation of breathing during sleep, and can be divided into two types: obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and central sleep apnoea (CSA). Symptoms include snoring, morning headaches, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and depression. Treatment options may include lifestyle changes, CPAP therapy, and surgery.
Acupuncture may also be a potential treatment option, although further research is needed to confirm its effectiveness. It is essential to speak with your healthcare provider if you suspect that you have sleep dyspnoea, as prompt diagnosis and treatment can help improve sleep quality and overall health.
Acupuncture Medicine South Melbourne is dedicated to providing safe and evidence-based acupuncture practices to help patients who suffer from dyspnoea, a condition characterized by shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. However, it is essential for patients to understand that dyspnoea can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition, such as asthma, COPD, or heart disease. Therefore, it is important for patients to consult with their doctor before seeking acupuncture treatment. The practitioners at Acupuncture Medicine South Melbourne work closely with patients’ doctors to ensure that their treatment plan is safe and effective. Through a combination of acupuncture, herbal medicine, and lifestyle advice, they aim to alleviate the symptoms of dyspnoea and improve the overall well-being of their patients.
References:
- American Academy of Sleep Medicine. (2014). International classification of sleep disorders. Darien, IL: American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
- Huang, Y., Guo, X., Wang, S., Sun, G., Ren, Y., & Shi, J. (2016). Acupuncture for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea: A randomised controlled trial. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 22(11), 880-889. doi: 10.1089/acm.2016.0107
- Li, S., Peng, W., & Wang, X. (2019). Acupuncture for obstructive sleep apnoea: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2019, 1-9. doi: 10.1155/2019/6715306
- Liu, J., Wu, Y., Chen, R., Wu, J., Wang, B., & Yang, X. (2018). Acupuncture for moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnoea: A randomised, placebo-controlled trial. Sleep Medicine, 47, 93-100. doi: 10.1016/j.sleep.2018.04.014
- Liu, Y., Wu, J., Wang, B., Yang, Q., Liu, Y., Chen, J., … & Yang, X. (2017). Acupuncture for obstructive sleep apnoea: A randomised controlled trial. Respiratory Physiology & Neurobiology, 236, 41-47. doi: 10.1016/j.resp.2016.11.005
- Melbourne Sleep Disorders Centre. (n.d.). About us. Retrieved from https://www.sleepvictoria.com.au/about-us/
- National Sleep Foundation. (n.d.). Sleep apnoea. Retrieved from https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-apnea
- Sleep Health Foundation. (n.d.). Sleep apnoea. Retrieved from https://www.sleephealthfoundation.org.au/sleep-apnea.html