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New study finds epilepsy drug could reduce sleep apnoea symptoms

<p>New research has found that a drug used for epilepsy could be used to reduce the symptoms of sleep apnoea. </p> <p>Obstructive sleep apnoea, which affects about one in 20 people, according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence in England, includes symptoms like snoring and it causes a person's breathing to start and stop during the night, with many requiring an aid to help keep their airways open. </p> <p>An international study has identified that taking sulthiame, a drug sold under the brand name Ospolot in Europe, may help prevent patients' breathing from temporarily stopping. </p> <p>This provides an additional option for those unable to use mechanical breathing aids like the Cpap machines. </p> <p>“The standard treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea is sleeping with a machine that blows air through a face mask to keep the airways open. Unfortunately, many people find these machines hard to use over the long term, so there is a need to find alternative treatments,” Prof Jan Hedner from Sahlgrenska university hospital and the University of Gothenburg in Sweden said. </p> <p>Researchers conducted a randomised controlled trial of almost 300 obstructive sleep apnoea patients across Europe, who did not use Cpap machines. </p> <p>They were divided into four groups and given either a placebo or different strengths of sulthiame. </p> <p>The study measured patients’ breathing, oxygen levels, heart rhythm, eye movements, as well as brain and muscle activity while asleep. </p> <p>It found after 12 weeks, those taking sulthiame had up to 50% fewer occasions where their breathing stopped, and higher levels of oxygen in their blood. However, a bigger study needs to be done to confirm the beneficial effects on a larger group. </p> <p>The findings, were presented at the European Respiratory Society Congress in Vienna, Austria. </p> <p>Erika Radford, the head of health advice at Asthma + Lung UK said the findings were a positive step forward in moving away from having to rely on mechanical breathing equipment.</p> <p>“This potential alternative to the current main treatment would make it easier for people to manage their condition,” she said. </p> <p><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p> <p> </p>

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The growing epidemic affecting tens of thousands of Kiwis

<p>There’s a growing epidemic in New Zealand and it’s costing the nation more than just a good night’s rest – almost <a href="https://www.nzma.org.nz/journal/read-the-journal/all-issues/2010-2019/2010/vol-123-no-1321/article-gander" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">$40 million each year</span></strong></a>, in fact. And, as our waistlines widen and obesity rates increase, as does the number of people affected by this epidemic. What is it, you may ask? Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA).</p> <p>According to the <a href="https://www.sleep.org.au/documents/item/78" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Australasian Sleep Association</span></strong></a>, OSA is defined as “a disorder in which breathing is repetitively interrupted during sleep due to collapse of the upper airway.” Untreated, OSA can lead to hypertension, cognitive impairment, diabetes, sexual dysfunction and even heart disease and stroke – not to mention the impact it can have on the sufferer’s quality of life.</p> <p><strong>Who’s most likely to get it?</strong></p> <p>Obesity is considered to be the main cause of OSA, regular alcohol consumption (particularly at night), certain illnesses (generally thyroid conditions, large tonsils, certain medications, nasal congestion and even facial bone structure can also be contributing factors. It can strike anyone at any age, but men over the age of 65 and those who have a family history of the disorder have a higher risk of developing OSA.</p> <p><strong>The symptoms</strong></p> <p>The severity of each case of OSA varies, but the most common signs include:</p> <ul> <li>Snoring</li> <li>Unrefreshing sleep</li> <li>Tiredness during the day</li> <li>Waking during the night and gasping for air or choking</li> <li>Headaches in the morning</li> <li>Poor memory and concentration</li> <li>Waking up with a sore throat or dry mouth</li> <li>Restlessness and irritability</li> <li>Frequently needing to urinate during the night</li> <li>Weight gain or difficulty losing weight</li> </ul> <p>While normal sleepers’ breathing is interrupted less than five times per hour, OSA sleepers may experience 5 to 15 interruptions (mild), 15 to 30 (moderate) or even more than 30 (severe). These interruptions may last for 10 seconds or more.</p> <p>OSA sufferers usually do not exhibit all these symptoms, but experiencing one or more should be cause for further investigation.</p> <p><strong>Treatment</strong></p> <p>There is currently no cure for the condition, however it is treatable via a number of methods. Making certain lifestyle changes (losing weight, adjusting sleep position, improving sleep habits, lowering alcohol consumption and quitting smoking), may help improve OSA, but Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is the most successful currently available. A CPAP machine involves pumping continuous pressure through the airway via a mask worn over the mouth, nose or both. It essentially holds the airway open and prevents it from closing during sleep.</p> <p>If you’re worried you may be experiencing symptoms of OSA, visit your doctor as soon as possible.</p>

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