Apr
What Is Sleep Apnoea?
Sleep apnoea is a serious sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops during the night. People with sleep apnoea often experience daytime sleepiness, poor concentration, and high blood pressure. Family members usually notice snoring, gasping, or choking noises while the person is asleep.
- Moderate to severe sleep apnoea: Affects around 5% of adults, with breathing pauses 15 times or more per hour.
- Mild sleep apnoea: Affects up to 20% of middle-aged people, with 5 to 15 breathing pauses per hour.
While mild cases may not always cause health problems, untreated sleep apnoea shortens life expectancy by increasing the risk of stroke, cancer, heart disease, and depression. Excessive sleepiness also triples the risk of car accidents.
Sleep Apnoea and Stroke Risk
In ageing and overweight populations, the risk of stroke rises sharply. Studies from Spain, the United States, and Australia show that people with untreated sleep apnoea are three times more likely to suffer a stroke.
Why does this happen?
- Daytime blood pressure rises steadily.
- During sleep, blood pressure spikes dramatically.
- Sleep apnoea reduces the body’s ability to process cholesterol.
The consequences of stroke range from temporary disability to death. Treating sleep apnoea is key to prevention.
Sleep Apnoea and Cancer Risk
Recent studies have shown a surprising connection between sleep apnoea and cancer, unrelated to other common cancer risks.
- Patients with sleep apnoea face a higher chance of developing cancer.
- Oxygen fluctuations at night may cause cancer cells to grow faster.
- Melanoma appears especially linked with sleep apnoea.
While research is ongoing, these findings highlight the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.
The Good News – Sleep Apnoea Is Treatable
Not every case carries the same risk:
- Mild sleep apnoea can often be managed with lifestyle changes such as diet and weight loss.
- Severe sleep apnoea is serious but highly treatable with CPAP therapy (continuous positive airway pressure).
With proper treatment, the risk of stroke, cancer, and heart problems drops significantly. Sleep apnoea is not just snoring – it is a medical condition that requires attention.
Sleep Apnoea Treatment in Europe
For people in Greece, Bulgaria, Spain, Italy, Germany and across the EU, there are CE-marked CPAP machines, CPAP masks, and accessories available. Buying from a trusted European supplier ensures fast delivery, VAT compliance, and full warranty support.