Glossary
Sleep Apnoea
What is
Sleep Apnoea?
Sleep Apnoea is a physical issue which can impact the mental health of individuals in different ways. Understanding and addressing it through therapy can lead to improved well-being and quality of life.
What Is It?
Sleep apnoea is a sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. The most common type, obstructive sleep apnoea, occurs when throat muscles intermittently relax and block the airway, causing disrupted sleep and reduced oxygen levels in the body.
Common Experiences
People with sleep apnoea often snore loudly, gasp for air during sleep, and wake feeling tired. They may experience morning headaches, dry mouth, irritability, and poor concentration. Many are unaware of the disturbances and only discover the issue through a partner or sleep study.
How It Can Affect You
Sleep apnoea can lead to serious health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and depression. It affects mood, energy, and quality of life. Treatment may involve CPAP therapy, lifestyle changes, or addressing anxiety and stress through cognitive-behavioural therapy to improve sleep hygiene.
Ways Therapy Can Help
Providing coping strategies for managing sleep apnoea
Creating a safe space to explore thoughts and emotions
Identifying triggers and underlying causes
Building resilience and improving sleep hygiene
