Information about Sleep Apnoea for Patients

As part of our commitment to providing comprehensive care, we would like to discuss an important health condition that may be affecting you—sleep apnea.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition where your breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. This happens when the airway becomes blocked (obstructive sleep apnea) or when the brain doesn’t send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing (central sleep apnea). These pauses in breathing can lead to poor sleep quality, frequent awakenings, and reduced oxygen levels in the body.

Why is This Important for You?

Individuals with a BMI of over 30 which is medically classified to be obese and have hypertension are at a higher risk of developing sleep apnea. Excess weight, especially around the neck, can block the upper airway, while hypertension can further contribute to breathing difficulties during sleep. The combination of these conditions places extra strain on the cardiovascular system, increasing the likelihood of serious health complications, including heart disease and stroke. We have identified you as someone who may be at risk for sleep apnea due to your current health conditions. By addressing sleep apnea early, we can help manage or even prevent further complications, improving your overall well-being and quality of life.

Next Steps: A Simple Questionnaire

To better understand your risk for sleep apnea, we would like you to complete a short questionnaire about your sleep habits, energy levels, and overall health. The questionnaire will help us assess whether you may benefit from further evaluation.

If your responses indicate a higher likelihood of sleep apnea, we will recommend a referral for a sleep study. A sleep study is a painless and non-invasive way to monitor your breathing patterns, heart rate, and oxygen levels while you sleep. Based on the results, we can develop a personalized treatment plan to help manage your symptoms.

Why We’re Reaching Out

Not all patients face the same risks, but because obesity and hypertension are known to significantly increase the chance of developing sleep apnea, we want to ensure we are proactive in monitoring and addressing this condition in patients like you. Early diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea can lead to better control of blood pressure, improved weight management, and enhanced energy levels, all of which contribute to a healthier life.

How to Get Started

Please take a few moments to complete the questionnaire below. Once we review your responses, we will reach out with further information regarding next steps, including whether a referral for a sleep study is recommended.

Thank you for taking the time to address this important aspect of your health. We are here to support you every step of the way, and together, we can help you achieve your wellness goals.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our secretaries at our practice.

Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS):

Please ask the patient to rate their likelihood of dozing off or falling asleep in the following situations, using the scale provided. The patient’s score is below:

• 0 = Would never doze
• 1 = Slight chance of dozing
• 2 = Moderate chance of dozing
• 3 = High chance of dozing

Total ESS Score: Total Score

Best wishes

Sincerely,
Mr Mahesh Prassath Kanesan Medical Student working with Dr Beanland and Dr Hartley, Portcullis Surgery