- A total of 147,610 sleep disorder tests were carried out last year by the NHS
- In 2007 to 2008, just 69,919 sleep disorder tests were conducted by doctors
- Tests are to identify sleep apnoea, a disorder that stops sleepers from breathing
- Disorder affects 1.5 million people in the UK and many more remain undiagnosed
Daisy Dunne For Mailonline
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The number of tests to diagnose people with sleep disorders has doubled in the last ten years, statistics have revealed.
A total of 147,610 sleep disorder tests were carried out in England last year, while only 69,919 exams were carried out in 2007 to 2008.
Sleep disorder tests are designed to diagnose sleep apnoea, a condition that causes sufferers to stop breathing in bed.
Experts said the rise may be down to more awareness about the serious health risks of sleep apnoea, which include increased chances of heart disease and stroke.
The condition affects around 1.5 million people in the UK, but doctors warn many more people have not been formally diagnosed.
The number of tests to diagnose people with sleep disorders has doubled in the last ten years
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WHAT IS SLEEP APNOEA?
Sleep apnoea is the most common sleep disorder in the UK, the NHS has reported.
It occurs when the muscles and soft tissues in the throat relax during, which blocks the airways.
The resulting lack of oxygen in the brain causes sufferers to wake regularly through the night.
Common symptoms include loud snoring, gasping and grunting during sleep.
Although snoring is a symptom of sleep apnoea, not all those that snore have the disorder.
The condition has serious physical health consequences, including an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
Most sufferers manage their symptoms by wearing an oxygen mask at night or an oral device to keep the airways open.
Rise in sleep disorders
In the US, sleep apnoea affects 18 million people, or one in 15 Americans, according to the American Sleep Association.
An analysis of NHS data carried out by the BBC has revealed that the number of sleeping disorder tests has risen every year for the last decade.
Doctors said the rise in tests could be down to greater public awareness about the serious health consequences of the condition.
‘Sleep apnoea is a serious condition which can lead to other problems such as high blood pressure, which in turn can lead to strokes and heart attacks,’ Dr Stephen Bianchi from Sheffield’s Northern General Hospital, told the BBC.
Hidden problem
Dr Bianchi said that although test rates are on the rise, most people with the condition have not yet been diagnosed.
‘We think about two per cent of females, and four per cent of males in the UK have significant sleep apnoea,’ Dr Bianchi said.
Snoring is a symptom of sleep apnoea, but not all people that snore will have the condition
‘However, we suspect that 80 per cent of those with the condition are unaware they have it.’
Sleep anoea sufferers are often tested for neurological sleep disorders such as insomnia and rapid eye movement (REM) disorder.
People who suffer from REM disorder act out their dreams and are known for shouting, screaming, punching and kicking while asleep.
Serious cases of REM disorder can be treated with anti-seizure drugs and, in rare cases, antidepressants.
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