Obstructive sleep apnoea in adults

OSA increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and can affect quality of life, alertness, mood, and mental acuity.[233]Tietjens JR, Claman D, Kezirian EJ, et al. Obstructive sleep apnea in cardiovascular disease: a review of the literature and proposed multidisciplinary clinical management strategy. J Am Heart Assoc. 2019 Jan 8;8(1):e010440. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6405725 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30590966?tool=bestpractice.com ​ Overweight patients should be advised about weight loss, avoidance of supine sleeping, and sedative or alcohol use, as they may exacerbate condition.

Daytime sleepiness may adversely affect job performance, mood, and the patient's ability to operate motor vehicles. Patients should be advised against driving if feeling drowsy. Online information from recommended websites may be useful. NHS Choices: sleep apnoea Opens in new window

Airline travel can present the risk of worsening hypoxaemia when asleep, and exacerbation of jet lag with potential adverse effects on ability to drive. The British Thoracic Society recommends travelling on daytime flights if possible; avoiding sedatives and alcohol 12 hours before, after, and during airline travel; avoiding sleeping on daytime flights; and use of a patient's own CPAP on overnight flights.[234]Coker RK, Armstrong A, Church AC, et al. BTS clinical statement on air travel for passengers with respiratory disease. Thorax. 2022 Apr;77(4):329-50. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8938676 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35228307?tool=bestpractice.com