Imagine having to worry that your child will stop breathing in his sleep?
This has been the reality for mother, Nqobile Mbatha, who’s 11-year-old son has been battling with sleep apnea his entire life.
“His father and I never used to get enough sleep because we’d have to take turns monitoring Lubanzi in his sleep to see if he’s still breathing and reposition him,” says the 40-year-old mother of three.
Because Lubanzi was born with achondroplasia – a bone growth disorder leading to the abnormal growth in the spine and skull – his condition has not only affected his physical stature but has also posed significant challenges to his ability to sleep soundly through the night.
Despite his young age, his struggle to get restful sleep manifested in severe sleep apnea, where his upper airway became obstructed during nighttime sleep. This obstruction resulted in frequent interruptions to Lubanzi's breathing, leading to diminished oxygen intake and disrupted sleep patterns.
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Recognising the urgency of Lubanzi's situation, his family sought medical assistance from Dr Alison Bentley, a dedicated medical professional, who specialises in sleep medicine and leads efforts to diagnose and treat sleep disorders in South Africa.
Although Lubanzi was initially embarrassed about his snoring, he was met with understanding and reassurance from Dr Bentley.
“Snoring often raises concerns about sleep apnoea, but it's essential to recognize that not everyone who snores necessarily has this condition. Snoring occurs due to a partial blockage of airflow, such as with a deviated septum, creating turbulence in the throat,” the doctor explains.
“While snoring indicates a partial obstruction, sleep apnoea occurs when this obstruction becomes complete.”
To differentiate between the two, the clinic employs a comprehensive risk assessment called the STOP-Bang Questionnaire, evaluating factors such as snoring, tiredness, breathing patterns, BMI, age, neck size, and gender.
Under Dr Bentley's care, Lubanzi underwent a comprehensive sleep study to assess the severity of his condition.
The diagnosis revealed the extent of Lubanzi's sleep apnoea, prompting the introduction of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine into his treatment regimen. This device gently delivers a constant stream of air, preventing airway collapse and facilitating uninterrupted breathing throughout the night.
For Lubanzi and his family, the introduction of the CPAP machine marked a significant turning point.
“It’s been a blessing. I feel like it has boosted his confidence and energy levels,” says Nqobile while emphasising the sense of joy and relief the machine has brought to their family.
“When he first went to the sleep clinic, they found that he’d stop breathing about 40 times in his sleep. But now it has decreased to only five times.”
Dr Bentley, with her pioneering work at the Restonic Ezintsha Sleep Clinic, has become a guiding light for families like Lubanzi's.
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One common misconception about sleep clinics is the belief that they function merely as places for patients to spend a night's rest. However, it's crucial to understand that sleep clinics are medical facilities focused on conducting comprehensive studies to diagnose and address sleep-related issues.
“During a visit, we meticulously monitor various aspects of a patient's sleep to identify any abnormalities or conditions, ensuring that individuals receive the appropriate treatment tailored to their specific needs,” says Dr Bentley.
Through her dedication to bridging the gap in sleep research and treatment in South Africa, she offers hope to countless individuals grappling with sleep-related challenges.
"Sleep is the foundation for health and well-being," Dr Bentley emphasizes, echoing the sentiments of Restonic's mission to empower individuals with the knowledge and resources to unlock the power of sleep.
