Sleep problems in diabetes and overweight: obstructive sleep apnoea

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Health chat with Dr Anthony Leeds, Series 5, Part 2 Episode 3

Title: Sleep problems in diabetes and overweight: obstructive sleep apnoea

Interview with Professor Shahrad Taheri, University of Leicester, United Kingdom

Many people with diabetes and many others who have overweight and obesity have poor sleep or actually have specific sleep abnormalities. Prof Taheri has spent many years studying these and debating how best to address them. In this interview he describes the background to the very commonly occurring obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) which is of variable severity and has been shown to affect up to 80% of people with diabetes. Obstructive sleep apnoea is caused by intermittent obstruction to airflow during sleep caused by collapse of the upper airway due to a number of possible factors including a narrowed airway in those with obesity but other causes such as structural variation in jaw shape and position and obstructions in the nose and back of the throat.

People with OSA feel tired during the daytime and often fall asleep when they should be alert and working – this is a serious problem for drivers of public service and other motor vehicles and can result in loss of driving licences and loss of occupation and income, or worse, motor vehicle accidents. They may also have headaches, feel dressed and lack concentration, impairing their ability to work or study. OSA also causes high blood pressure and increased risk of stroke. Screening tests are available at this link and a variety of treatments including a breathing device worn at night to raise pressure in the airway (CPAP machine) and diet and lifestyle advice including weight loss.

Prof Taheri described his own experience and research results in those with OSA and gave his general recommendations.

Web-links to useful sources are given below. Those who believe that they are affected by OSA should follow the diet and lifestyle advice given in the weblinks below, but preferably also seek professional guidance and testing where possible.

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UK:

Sleep Apnoea

What is sleep apnea

USA:

Introduction to sleep apnea

1 Minute Sleep apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea in Adults.

Canada:
Chronic diseases of Sleep apnea

Lung diseases in Sleep apnea
Online screening test: Click here.

India:
Health hazards of sleep apnea

Malaysia:
Sleep disorders facts