Nearly 1-billion adults struggle with sleep, study finds

A diagnosis of sleep apnoea is established when there are more than five apnoea episodes an hour lasting at least 10 seconds. The severity is categorised as mild (5-15 episodes), moderate (15-30 episodes), or severe (more than 30 episodes). Despite the prevalence of sleep apnoea, an estimated 85-90% of those affected remain unaware of their condition.

Diagnosing sleep apnoea typically involves a thorough assessment of symptoms, a physical examination, and a sleep study, which can be conducted at a clinic or at home.

This study involves attaching small sensors to monitor parameters such as blood oxygen levels and heart rate during sleep. Treatment options vary, with CPAP therapy being one of the most recognised and effective methods.

CPAP devices provide continuous air pressure to keep airways open, significantly improving sleep quality and reducing the risk of related health issues. Continued use of CPAP can decrease overall mortality by 27%. However, adherence to CPAP therapy ranges from 30% to 60%, even though more than 8-million units are sold annually in the US alone.

In addition to CPAP, other treatment methods include oral appliances that help keep the throat open, surgical options that can be highly effective — particularly in younger individuals with a lower body mass index — and behavioural changes.

Lifestyle modifications, such as weight loss and improved sleep hygiene, can markedly reduce symptoms.