Thousands of individuals across the UK are turning to a Hull charity for assistance in achieving a good night’s sleep. The charity, Hope 2 Sleep, aims to help people combat obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), a condition that can significantly impact health.
According to Natalie Fox, a spokesperson for Hope 2 Sleep, the most effective treatment for OSA involves a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. This device blows air through a mask, keeping the airway open during sleep. Fox emphasized that OSA can affect individuals of various body types. “We have people of all shapes and sizes seeking our help,” she noted, countering the misconception that only overweight individuals are at risk.
Kath Hope, the founder of the charity, who also suffers from severe OSA, expressed the charity’s mission: “We’re saving lives—and marriages.” She highlighted the serious health risks associated with OSA, including heart attacks and strokes, which can result from untreated cases.
Since its launch in 2016, Hope 2 Sleep has assisted approximately 25,000 people. One of the beneficiaries, Trevor Entwistle, 69, sought help after noticing symptoms of OSA listed on a poster in the charity’s shop window. He shared, “It saved my life.” Entwistle described his condition before treatment, saying, “My wife said I snored like a pig. I would wake up panting, covered in sweat, in a real panic.” After undergoing tests, he learned he had severe OSA.
Recent data published in The Lancet estimates that eight million people in the UK are affected by OSA. Fox mentioned that symptoms like morning headaches, dizziness, a dry mouth, and waking up feeling unrefreshed are common among those with the condition.
The consequences of untreated OSA can be severe, according to Fox. “Undiagnosed, the condition can lead to high cholesterol, high blood pressure, stroke, and heart attacks,” she warned. She encourages anyone experiencing symptoms to consult their GP, who may refer them for a sleep study to analyze their breathing patterns and confirm a diagnosis of OSA.
For those attending a sleep clinic, Fox recommends bringing recordings of any disturbed sleep to aid in the assessment.
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