Sleep Apnoea Surgery Works, Says Expert

A leading doctor has rejected a university study claiming there is no clear benefit in having surgery for sleep apnoea. University of Adelaide researchers argue surgery for sleep apnoea has a general lack of impact on symptoms.

Sleep apnoea, which affects about one in four people, is caused by the collapse of the upper airways during sleep, leading to loud snoring and sometimes a temporary halt in breathing.

The researchers said in this week’s British Medical Journal that when improvements were noted after surgery, they were rarely sustained beyond 12 months.

University of Adelaide lecturer Adam Elshaug said he wanted the surgery restricted to clinical trials. But Australia’s most experienced reconstructive upper airway surgeon, Sam Robinson, rejected the university research. Adelaide-based Dr Robinson said the surgery had been proven as an effective treatment when non-invasive therapies failed.

The procedure involves surgery to tissue in the nose, tongue and soft palate. “This surgery can improve lives and it can save lives,” Dr Robinson said.

“We must not restrict valuable and proven surgery to clinical trials that would deny appropriate treatment to hundreds upon hundreds of sufferers – this would threaten patient welfare and compromise the medical profession’s capacity to treat people who suffer sleep apnoea.”

Dr Robinson has reconstructed the airways of more than 500 sleep apnoea sufferers in the past decade. He said up to 90 per cent of people remained undiagnosed for sleep apnoea and suffered effects including fragmented sleep, morning headaches, increased heart rates and daytime sleepiness.

Study says lack of sleep could lead to diabetes

A new study from researchers at the University of Chicago claims lack of good sleep can contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes. The research indicates volunteers who were sleep deprived experienced a 25 percent decrease in the insulin sensitivity.

Sarah Taylor is a physical activity coordinator with the Iowa Department of Public Health. She says the study reinforces the idea that sleep is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. Most sleep experts recommend 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night.

According to a national poll, 40% of American adults report getting less than 7 hours of sleep a night on weekdays. Taylor says there are many steps you can take to ensure a good night’s sleep. She suggests eating right and getting plenty of exercise, while avoiding caffeine, cigarettes and alcohol.