Snoring loudly, waking up exhausted despite a full night in bed, or being told you stop breathing in your sleep, these are not just inconveniences. They may be signs of obstructive sleep apnea, a condition that affects far more Nigerians than is currently diagnosed.
Left untreated, sleep apnea does not just disrupt rest. It strains the heart, raises blood pressure, increases the risk of stroke, and impairs daily functioning. The good news is that it is treatable and effective options are available in Lagos. At Lagos Executive Cardiovascular Centre, sleep apnea is evaluated and managed by a specialist team with dedicated sleep medicine expertise.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. These pauses โ called apneas โ can last from a few seconds to over a minute and may occur dozens or even hundreds of times per night.
There are three main types:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): The most common form. The muscles at the back of the throat relax too much during sleep, partially or fully blocking the airway. The brain senses the drop in oxygen and briefly wakes the person often without them realising it.
- Central Sleep Apnea: The brain does not send the correct signals to the muscles that control breathing. Less common, and often associated with other neurological or cardiac conditions.
- Complex (Mixed) Sleep Apnea: A combination of both obstructive and central types.
Recognising the Symptoms
Many people with sleep apnea do not know they have it. Symptoms to look out for include:
- Loud, persistent snoring
- Gasping or choking sounds during sleep (often noticed by a partner)
- Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat
- Frequent headaches in the morning
- Excessive daytime tiredness, even after sleeping for many hours
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
- Irritability or mood changes
- Waking frequently during the night to urinate
If you recognise several of these symptoms, a proper evaluation is important.
Why Sleep Apnea Should Not Be Ignored
This is not just a sleep problem, it is a cardiovascular concern. Every time breathing stops, oxygen levels in the blood drop. The body responds by triggering a stress response, flooding the system with adrenaline and spiking blood pressure. Over time, this repeated cycle contributes to:
- High blood pressure (hypertension) โ often resistant to medication
- Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias), including atrial fibrillation
- Increased risk of heart attack and stroke
- Worsened heart failure
- Poor blood sugar control in people with diabetes
This is why the Sleep Medicine team at LECC works closely with Cardiology. For many patients, treating sleep apnea leads to meaningful improvements in blood pressure, heart rhythm, and overall cardiovascular health.
How Sleep Apnea Is Diagnosed
Diagnosis requires more than a symptom questionnaire. A sleep study is the standard investigation.
- Polysomnography (In-lab sleep study): A comprehensive, overnight evaluation that monitors brain activity, eye movement, heart rate, breathing patterns, blood oxygen levels, and limb movement throughout the night. Conducted in a controlled environment with specialist oversight.
- Home Sleep Testing: In appropriate cases, a portable device can be used at home to measure breathing patterns and oxygen saturation during sleep. This is less comprehensive than a full sleep study but useful for straightforward presentations.
At LECC, the appropriate type of investigation is determined after an initial clinical assessment.
Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea in Lagos
Treatment depends on the type and severity of sleep apnea, and any contributing health conditions.
1. CPAP Therapy (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure): The gold standard treatment for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea. A CPAP machine delivers a continuous flow of pressurised air through a mask worn during sleep. This keeps the airway open and prevents apneas from occurring. Many patients notice a significant improvement in energy, mood, and sleep quality within the first few weeks.
2. Lifestyle Modifications: For mild sleep apnea or as an important complement to other treatments:
- Weight loss (excess weight, particularly around the neck, is a major contributor to OSA)
- Sleeping on your side rather than your back
- Reducing or eliminating alcohol, especially in the evening
- Treating nasal congestion or allergies that restrict airflow
3. Oral Appliance Therapy: A custom-fitted device worn in the mouth during sleep that repositions the jaw and tongue to keep the airway open. Suitable for mild to moderate OSA, particularly in patients who struggle to tolerate CPAP.
4. Treatment of Underlying Conditions: In some cases, sleep apnea is worsened by or directly caused by other medical conditions. Managing these appropriately can improve sleep apnea significantly:
- Hypothyroidism
- Heart failure
- Nasal and sinus conditions
5. Surgical Options: For select patients where anatomical factors are the primary cause (such as enlarged tonsils, nasal obstruction, or structural jaw abnormalities), surgical intervention may be considered. This is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Sleep Apnea and Blood Pressure: A Common Pair
One of the most frequently missed connections in clinical practice is sleep apnea as a cause of uncontrolled hypertension. If your blood pressure does not respond well to medication, or if your pressure is highest in the morning, sleep apnea could be a contributing factor. Treating the sleep apnea often helps the blood pressure respond better to treatment or reduces the amount of medication needed. If you have hypertension and any symptoms of sleep apnea, it is worth discussing a sleep evaluation with your doctor.
Who Should Be Evaluated for Sleep Apnea?
Consider a sleep medicine consultation if you:
- Snore regularly and loudly
- Have been told you stop breathing during sleep
- Wake feeling unrefreshed despite adequate sleep time
- Have unexplained or treatment-resistant high blood pressure
- Have been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation or other arrhythmias
- Have Type 2 diabetes with poor sugar control
- Are overweight or obese, particularly with a large neck circumference
- Experience significant daytime sleepiness affecting work or driving
A Smarter Approach to Sleep at LECC
At Lagos Executive Cardiovascular Centre, sleep apnea is treated as part of the bigger clinical picture. Our Sleep Medicine team works alongside cardiologists, endocrinologists, and ENT specialists so all contributing factors are considered together.
Every patient receives a tailored management plan, not just a diagnosis. The goal is not simply to identify the problem but to help you sleep better, feel better, and reduce the long-term risks to your heart and health. You do not have to accept poor sleep as normal.
Book a sleep medicine consultation today:
๐ www.thelecc.com
๐ +234 817 365 1737
๐ 3/5 Adetola Ayeni Street, off Freedom Way, Lekki Phase I, Lagos