Sleep Apnoea: Signs You Should Not Ignore, Even If You Sleep All Night

By LeadNG -
  By LEADNG | Health Education Writer Last updated: 14 October 2026 You went to bed early, slept for several hours and woke up expecting to feel refreshed. Instead, you have a headache, your body feels heavy, and you struggle to stay alert during the day. You might blame your workload, the weather, stress or simply not getting enough rest. But what if you are spending enough time in bed and still not getting good-quality sleep? One possible explanation is sleep apnoea , a condition in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Some people with sleep apnoea snore loudly or gasp for air at night. Others mainly notice daytime tiredness, difficulty concentrating or waking up feeling unrefreshed. These symptoms do not automatically mean you have sleep apnoea. However, recognising the pattern can help you know when to seek medical advice. What exactly is sleep apnoea? Sleep apnoea is a sleep-related breathing disorder. The most common type is obstructive sleep aponia, whic...
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Why a Small Foot Wound Can Become a Serious Problem for Someone With Diabetes

By LeadNG -

 You step on a sharp object, notice a small cut on your foot, clean it and continue with your day.

For many people, the wound may heal without causing much trouble.

But for someone living with diabetes, a small cut, blister or sore on the foot can sometimes become a much bigger problem.

This is one reason foot care is an important part of diabetes management. Diabetes can damage nerves and blood vessels over time, making it harder to notice injuries and, in some cases, harder for wounds to heal properly.

The Problem

One of the biggest dangers is that a person may not realize that their foot has been injured.

Diabetes-related nerve damage can reduce sensation in the feet. A person may therefore have a blister, cut or sore without experiencing the usual level of pain that would make them pay attention to it.

Poor blood circulation can create another problem. When blood supply to the foot is reduced, even a small wound may take longer to heal.

If the wound becomes infected and is not treated appropriately, the infection can become serious.

This does not mean that every small wound in a person with diabetes will become dangerous. It means that foot injuries deserve attention rather than being ignored.

A Realistic Example

Kemi is a 46-year-old woman who runs a small food business in Ibadan.

One morning, while preparing for work, she notices a small blister on the side of her foot. It does not hurt much, so she puts on her footwear and continues with her normal activities.

Over the next few days, the area becomes red and swollen.

Kemi initially assumes it will disappear on its own. However, because she lives with diabetes, she decides not to wait any longer and seeks medical attention.

Her situation illustrates why someone with diabetes should pay attention to changes in the feet, even when an injury appears minor.


The Impact

Ignoring a foot problem can allow a small injury to become more difficult to manage.

A wound may become infected, particularly if it is repeatedly exposed to pressure, friction or further injury.

Diabetes-related nerve damage and poor blood flow can increase the risk of foot ulcers and serious complications.

The important lesson is not to become frightened by every mark on the foot.

The lesson is to notice changes early.

A person with diabetes should regularly look for cuts, redness, swelling, blisters, sores, changes in skin colour and other unusual changes.

Practical Solutions

Make checking your feet part of your daily routine.

Look at the tops, bottoms and sides of your feet. Check between the toes as well.

If you cannot easily see the bottom of your feet, use a mirror or ask someone you trust to help.

Wash your feet with warm, not very hot, water and dry them properly, particularly between the toes. Avoid walking barefoot because this can increase the chance of unnoticed injury.

Wear footwear that fits properly and does not constantly rub or squeeze your feet.

If you notice a blister, cut, sore, swelling, colour change or other unusual problem, do not simply assume it will disappear.

People living with diabetes should also follow their healthcare professional's advice about blood glucose management and regular checks for complications. Good diabetes care includes attention to the feet, eyes, kidneys and nerves.

Common Mistakes

One common mistake is walking barefoot because the injury seems unlikely to happen.

Another is ignoring a small blister or cut because it does not hurt.

Some people also try to remove corns or calluses themselves. CDC guidance advises people with diabetes not to attempt this on their own.

Another mistake is waiting until a wound becomes severely painful before seeking help.

Pain is not always a reliable warning sign when nerve sensation has been affected.

What You Can Do Today

If you live with diabetes, take a few minutes today to check both feet.

Look for:

  • Cuts or wounds

  • Blisters

  • Redness

  • Swelling

  • Cracked skin

  • Changes in colour or temperature

  • Sores that are not healing

  • Numbness, tingling or burning

If you notice a wound or unusual change, especially one that is not improving, contact a qualified healthcare professional rather than waiting for it to become worse.

If you care for someone with diabetes, you can also encourage them to make foot checks part of their routine.

A few minutes of attention can help identify a problem earlier.

A Question for You

When was the last time you actually checked the bottom of your feet?

If you live with diabetes, don't wait for pain before paying attention to your feet.

Make foot checking a routine, and take unusual changes seriously.

Disclaimer

This article is for general health education only. It is not a diagnosis or substitute for professional medical advice.

People living with diabetes should follow the advice of their healthcare professional. If you have a foot wound, infection, significant swelling, colour changes, loss of sensation or a wound that is not healing, seek appropriate medical care.

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