The fifth of May is observed annually in Australia as Sleep Apnea Awareness Day. This holiday, as its name suggests, focuses on bringing attention to sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that impacts respiration during sleep. This disorder was discovered relatively recently and is not widely known. Many individuals with sleep apnea may be unaware that the condition exists. Therefore, Sleep Apnea Awareness Day helps to raise awareness and provide people with beneficial information.
The background of Sleep Apnea Awareness Day
Sleep apnea is a disorder in which a person’s breathing ceases and resumes repeatedly during sleep. Snoring, insomnia, fatigue, drowsiness, dry mouth, sore throat, irritability, difficulty concentrating, gasping or choking after waking abruptly, headaches, depression, night sweats, and sexual dysfunction are all symptoms of sleep apnoea. Some of these symptoms may go unnoticed by the individual with sleep apnea, but may be observed by their bed companion.
Medical specialists have identified three types of sleep apnoea: obstructive sleep apnoea, central sleep apnoea, and complex sleep apnoea syndrome. Among the causes of sleep apnea are nasal congestion, lax muscles in the pharynx and mouth, and underlying neurological disorders. These may be caused by heredity, obesity, large or swollen tonsils, thyroid conditions or colds, and allergies.
There is no cure for sleep apnea, but the symptoms can be treated with a variety of methods, depending on the severity of the condition. For moderate cases, minor lifestyle modifications may suffice. Doctors may simply recommend a weight loss programme, dietary improvements, or stopping smoking. In moderate to severe cases, physicians may instead recommend the use of a continuous positive airway pressure (C.P.A.P.) machine. This machine, with the assistance of a nose mask, provides constant and steady air pressure to aid sleep-related breathing. Surgical procedures and the use of dental appliances are additional options. Because sleep apnoea is not well-known, Sleep Apnoea Awareness Day is an excellent occasion to raise awareness and educate the public.
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5 IMPORTANT FACTS REGARDING SLEEP
Research indicates that elderly people are more likely than younger people to dream in black and white.
Deaf individuals frequently use sign language while sleeping.
When falling, it is normal to experience involuntary muscle twitches known as ‘hypnic spasms.’
According to research, sleep is extremely essential because a person is more likely to die from lack of sleep than from lack of food.
A typical human spends approximately one-third of his or her existence sleeping.
SLEEP APNEA AWARENESS DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | May 5 | Friday |
| 2024 | May 5 | Sunday |
| 2025 | May 5 | Monday |
| 2026 | May 5 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | May 5 | Wednesday |
