Sleep Apnoea: Managing Daytime Sleepiness Effectively

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is an alarmingly prevalent sleeping disorder affecting 1 in 8 people in the United Kingdom. Many have it and are completely unaware. It’s important to identify the signs as early as possible and treat it accordingly. OSA is a sleeping disorder that triggers periodic breathing interruptions while someone is asleep. 

Other than causing a person to wake up during the night, it’s fairly harmless, but a persistent lack of sleep can leave someone feeling tired and drained of energy during the day. Over time, it can increase the risk of dangerous but preventable conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, and heart disease. There are numerous ways to manage the daytime fatigue caused by the issue, as well as the disorder itself. 

Pharmaceuticals for Wakefulness

Insomniacs often turn to sleep aids in order to get through a sleepless night. Many would assume that this is also the solution for OSA, but patients are better off treating the problem with the best nootropics available.

Sedatives, especially benzodiazepines, can actually make the condition worse. These medications relax the muscles located in the upper airway, making it easier for airflow to become inhibited. As a result, sleeping pills can exacerbate sleep apnoea.

When it comes to OSA medication, the opposite approach must be taken. Instead of targeting night-time sleeplessness, patients should target daytime sleepiness. There are several popular brain-boosting drugs that can do just that, including the ones linked at the bottom of the blog. Also referred to as “smart drugs”, these medcines increase wakefulness even in those who can’t sleep. 

These medications are FDA-approved and utilised by NASA and the military as their fatigue-fighting “go pill”. While it won’t relieve insomnia, it provides around 12 hours of drowsiness protection. It’s also sought after by gamers, sports players, businessmen and other busy people for its off-label application, cognitive enhancement.

Why Sleep Apnoea Causes Daytime Fatigue?

Sleep apnoea can be easy to miss. Even though it causes someone to wake up frequently at night, many are not aware of the cause. Breathing stops during slumber, causing the body to wake up just enough for it to return to normal. This interruption of sleep prevents the body from obtaining the restorative 7-9 hours of sleep required for an optimal day.

OSA can also affect blood oxygen levels. Reduced blood oxygen levels can lead to symptoms like shortness of breath, fast heartbeat, chest pain, headaches, and excessive daytime drowsiness.

Improve Sleep with a Machine

The continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine is currently the most well-known OSA treatment for sleep apnoea. It sends air through a mask fitted over the nose and mouth and with the help of constant air pressure, the patient’s breathing can remain continuous throughout the night, allowing for complete rest, also leading to more daytime wakeful and alertness.

A nasal expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP) is a non-electronic device that keeps pressure in the airway by limiting exhalations. Other medical appliances for treating OSA include a custom mouth guard as well as tongue retainers and simulators.

Create a Sleep Schedule

When suffering from a sleep disorder, setting a consistent bedtime schedule can help. The circadian rhythm is a biological clock that tells the brain whether it should be tired or alert. This is why some people have trouble sleeping in, even during the weekends. The body will continue to produce cortisol, a chemical responsible for transitioning from sleepiness to wakefulness, at the same time. This can be utilised to manage some of the fatigue caused by OSA.

Avoid blue lights from phone and TV screens at least an hour before bed. Try winding down with a book and a bath instead. Blue light can trick the brain into believing it’s daytime and interfere with the secretion of melatonin, a hormone important for restful sleep. Patients who must use their phone right before bed can download a blue light filter on their device.

Relaxation and Meditation to Reduce Stress

While not a replacement for medical treatment, many find improvement from consistent meditation. According to the Mayo Clinic, not only does it help alleviate stress, it can also aid in managing the symptoms of other conditions as well. Getting in the habit of even 10 short minutes before bed can improve sleep quality and boost wakefulness during the daytime.

To get started, one needs only to sit alone in silence and focus on their breath.  Experts say that just 10 minutes a day is enough to deepen the quality of sleep and reduce episodes of sleep apnoea at the night. There are many videos online that lead a guided meditation for those who need additional help. The more restorative the sleep is; the more energetic patients are during the day.

Lifestyle Changes

While sedatives for better rest are a no-no for OSA patients, there are stimulants, referred to as “smart drugs”, that can be used. These medications lift the fog and allow suffers of sleep apnoea to enjoy their lives while the sun is out.  When it comes to managing fatigue caused by OSA, a holistic approach is necessary. 

Healthy eating and exercising are some of the most beneficial activities to reverse the condition. This is because sleep apnoea is often directly related to obesity. Carrying extra weight can also be responsible for additional daytime tiredness. Tracking calories and committing to an almost daily workout regimen will lead to less fat and overall fatigue.

Get the Help You Need

Obstructive sleep apnoea is a serious medical ailment that requires attention and treatment. One of the biggest symptoms of this issue is excessive daytime fatigue. By managing the OSA, this extreme tiredness will be reversed in time. Losing weight, creating a sleeping schedule, and meditation can naturally make getting restorative slumber easier. Machines like the CPAP are normally used to prevent the airways from over-relaxing and obstructing the breath momentarily. The option to buy modafinil UK offers people suffering from the condition, a safe and trusted solution.

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