Sleep Apnoea

What is sleep apnoea?

Sleep apnoea is when your breathing stops and starts while you're asleep. It's quite common and happens when the airways in your throat become too narrow during sleep.

The most common type is called obstructive sleep apnoea. This is when something blocks your airways while you sleep, making it hard to breathe properly.

What are the signs?

While you're sleeping:

• Your breathing stops and starts
• You make gasping, snorting or choking sounds
• You wake up lots of times during the night
• Very loud snoring

During the day:

• Feeling very tired all the time
• Finding it hard to concentrate
• Mood swings or feeling irritable
• Headaches when you wake up

It can be hard to know if you have these symptoms yourself. Ask someone close to you to watch while you sleep - they might notice things you don't.

When to speak to your GP

You should see your GP if:

• Your breathing stops and starts while you sleep
• You make gasping or choking noises at night
• You always feel very tired during the day

If someone has seen you have these symptoms, bring them to your appointment. They can help explain what they've noticed.

Getting tested

If your GP thinks you might have sleep apnoea, they may send you to a special sleep clinic. You'll get devices to wear overnight that check your breathing and heartbeat while you sleep.

Usually you can do this test at home, but sometimes you might need to stay at the clinic overnight.

The test gives you an AHI score that shows how severe your sleep apnoea is:

• 5 to 14 = mild
• 15 to 30 = moderate
• Over 30 = severe

Treatment options

Lifestyle changes can help, especially if your sleep apnoea is mild:

• Losing weight if you're overweight
• Stopping smoking
• Drinking less alcohol
• Regular exercise
• Sleeping on your side

CPAP machine - Many people need to use this device. It gently pumps air into a mask you wear over your mouth or nose while you sleep. This keeps your airways open. You can get this for free on the NHS if you need it.

The CPAP machine might feel strange at first, but try to keep using it every night. Speak to your GP if you find it uncomfortable.

Other treatments include:

• A mouth guard-like device that keeps your airways open
• Surgery to help breathing (like removing large tonsils)

Why treatment matters

Without treatment, sleep apnoea can lead to serious problems like:

• High blood pressure
• Higher risk of stroke
• Type 2 diabetes
• Heart disease
• Depression
• Higher risk of accidents due to tiredness

Important driving information

If you've been diagnosed with sleep apnoea, you may need to tell the DVLA. You must not drive if symptoms like extreme tiredness aren't under control. Check the rules on GOV.UK.

Sleep apnoea is treatable, and most people feel much better once they get the right help. Speak to your GP if you're worried about any of these symptoms.

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Based on NHS.uk guidance. Written by Dr Krishnan Pasupathi, NHS GP.