Sleep is supposed to be the great rejuvenator, a sacred time for our bodies to repair and our minds to rest. But for many, especially those in their golden years, sleep can be elusive due to a condition known as obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). It's a disorder that can turn the simple act of sleeping into a nightly struggle, leaving you feeling exhausted and disconnected from the life you love.


Take the story of Suzanne Curyer, for example. Despite dedicating a full eight hours to rest each night, she found herself trapped in a perpetual fog of fatigue. Her weekends, which should have been filled with social gatherings and family time, were instead spent in bed, trying to recover from the week. Suzanne's experience is not unique; it's shared by countless individuals who suffer from OSA, often without even realising it.


OSA is a condition where the muscles at the back of the throat fail to keep the airway open, causing breathing to stop and start repeatedly throughout the night. This can lead to a host of daytime problems, including severe tiredness, difficulty concentrating, and even the risk of falling asleep during critical tasks like driving. It's a condition that affects at least 20% of adults, with a higher prevalence among men, those who are overweight, and the elderly.


The journey to finding effective treatment for OSA can be long and fraught with trial and error. For Suzanne, it took years and a series of chance encounters before she received the help she needed. The first step for anyone suspecting they might have OSA should be a visit to their GP, who can provide a referral to a sleep specialist. These specialists can conduct a 'sleep study' to diagnose the condition accurately and recommend appropriate treatments.

One of the most common treatments for OSA is the use of a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine. This device pumps air into the airways to keep them open during sleep. However, CPAP machines are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Many people find them uncomfortable or claustrophobic, as Suzanne did, and they can be expensive, with costs sometimes running into the thousands.

But there are alternatives to CPAP machines that Big Pharma may not be so quick to promote. For instance, lifestyle changes such as weight loss, increased exercise, and reduced consumption of alcohol and cigarettes can significantly improve OSA symptoms. There are also dental devices like mandibular advancement splints (MAS), which work by moving the lower jaw forward to keep the airway open. These need to be custom-fitted by a 'sleep dentist' to ensure effectiveness.


Other innovative treatments include positional devices that prevent you from sleeping on your back, where OSA is more likely to occur. These can range from simple DIY solutions to high-tech wearables that vibrate when you roll onto your back. And while medications for OSA are not as common, they are an area of ongoing research and may offer hope in the future.

For those who have tried and failed with other treatments, surgery might be considered a last resort. It involves procedures to open up the airway and can be quite invasive. Suzanne, after her unsuccessful experience with CPAP, eventually opted for surgery. While it was a challenging process, she reports that it has been life-changing, allowing her to reclaim her weekends and her vitality.

The key takeaway for our readers at the Seniors Discount Club is that if you're struggling with sleep and suspect OSA might be the culprit, don't settle for a one-size-fits-all approach. Explore all the options available, and don't be afraid to push for alternatives if the standard treatments aren't working for you. Remember, your golden years should be filled with energy and joy, not spent in a haze of sleep-deprived exhaustion.


Have you or someone you know been affected by obstructive sleep apnoea? What treatments have you found effective? Share your experiences in the comments below, and let's help each other find the restful nights we deserve.