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Dear readers, You might think you’re getting a solid eight hours every night, but what if those hours are constantly interrupted without you knowing? Many of us in our 40s, 50s and beyond assume that brain fog, irritability, or tiredness is part of ageing. But there’s a sneaky sleep disorder that might be playing a bigger role than we realise: sleep apnoea. It turns out that sleep apnoea is the second most common sleep disorder, just behind insomnia. It happens when your breathing starts and stops repeatedly during the night—often without you having any clue. Some people snore loudly, others don't snore at all, but still stop breathing silently multiple times an hour. It's not just about being tired—it's about your oxygen levels dropping while you sleep, putting stress on your heart and brain. According to pulmonologist Dr Vikas Mittal, it’s something many people live with unknowingly for years. The most common form, Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA), is caused when the throat muscles relax too much and block the airway. There’s also Central Sleep Apnoea, where the brain fails to send proper breathing signals, and Complex Apnoea, which is a mix of both. All three lead to broken, shallow sleep that doesn’t feel restful — no matter how long you're in bed. 
You might relate to some of the classic signs: feeling groggy even after sleeping all night, dry mouth in the morning, sudden gasping or choking during sleep, or simply struggling to concentrate during the day. And of course, loud snoring. Remember though, not all snorers have apnoea, and not all apnoea sufferers snore. In fact, there’s something called “silent apnoea,” where the body still stops breathing during sleep, but there’s no loud snore to give it away. Tricky, right? Don’t worry, find out the symptoms and causes of all its types to identify if you have the disorder. Did you know you had sleep apnoea? :► Sleep apnoea isn’t just about being tired. Experts like Dr HP Bharathi have flagged its strong links to chronic conditions like high blood pressure and heart disease. It’s also known to increase the risk of sudden cardiac events, especially when left untreated. 
The good news? It’s manageable. And in many cases, preventable. A few practical lifestyle shifts can make a huge difference. Learn what they are. Lifestyle habits that can help manage and avoid sleep apnoea :► While many believe the disorder mostly affects men — and they are diagnosed more often — studies show that women who have it often experience it more severely, according to Dr Vishal Sehgal. 
The symptoms tend to show up differently in women too, making it easier to miss or misdiagnose. This is what you must keep in mind. What are the differences in symptoms of sleep apnoea in men and women? :► Getting assessed by a sleep specialist might feel like a hassle, but the peace of mind (and body) that comes from treating sleep apnoea is worth every step. After all, we spend about a third of our life sleeping. Why not make sure it’s the good kind of sleep? Take care — and take a deep breath (literally). Until next time, Rishika Singh DISCLAIMER: The articles in this newletter are based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
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