Sleep Apnoea

Sleep apnoea is when your breathing stops and starts while you sleep. The most common type is called obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA).

Symptoms of sleep apnoea mainly happen while you sleep. This often goes along with snoring.

They include:

  • breathing stopping and starting
  • making gasping, snorting or choking noises
  • waking up a lot
  • loud snoring

During the day, you may also:

  • feel very tired
  • find it hard to concentrate
  • have mood swings
  • have a headache when you wake up

You might be unaware that you stop breathing when you sleep, so maybe ask someone to watch you while you sleep.

Selfcare and more information

Making certain lifestyle changes may reduce your risk of developing this condition.

These include:

  • Losing weight if you’re overweight or obese
  • Sleeping on your side
  • Limiting how much alcohol you drink
  • Stop smoking if you smoke
  • Avoid using sleeping tablets and tranquillisers

When to consider seeing your GP

You should visit your GP if you think you might have OSA.

The main symptoms of sleep apnoea are:

  • your breathing stops and starts while you sleep
  • you make gasping, snorting or choking noises while you sleep
  • you always feel very tired during the day

Before seeing your GP, it may be helpful to ask your partner or a friend/relative to observe you whilst you sleep, as they may be able to spot periods of breathlessness. Many people with Sleep Apnoea may not notice they have the condition, so it often goes undiagnosed.

You can also fill out an Epworth Sleepiness Scale questionnaire. The final score will help your GP decide on the most appropriate management. To find out more about diagnosing sleep apnoea click here.

Managing sleep apnoea

Treatment may not be required if your condition is mild.

Treatments that may help you manage your sleep apnoea will include:

  • A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device. These prevent your airway closing while you sleep by delivering a continuous supply of compressed air through a mask. If treatment is required for OSA this is the most common method
  • A mandibular advancement device (MAD) – this is a gum-shield like device that fits around your teeth, holding your jaw and tongue-forward to increase the space at the back of your throat while you sleep. A dentist should be consulted if you are considering a mandibular advancement device.

In some cases, your GP may refer you for a sleep study assessment or surgery.

Referral criteria are applicable for Sleep Apnoea and snoring under the NHS. Your GP will be aware of this. In some cases, your referral may be returned to your GP.

Risks of having sleep apnoea

Poorly controlled Sleep Apnoea may increase your risk of:

  • Developing high blood pressure (hypertension)
  • Having a stroke or heart attack
  • Developing an irregular heartbeat – such as atrial fibrillation
  • Developing type 2 diabetes – although it’s unclear if this is the result of an underlying cause, such as obesity.

Research has shown someone who has been deprived of sleep because of Sleep Apnoea may be up to 12 times more likely to be involved in a car accident.

If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnoea, it could well mean your ability to drive is affected.

It is your legal obligation to inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) about a medical condition that could have an impact on your driving ability.

You may be advised to stop driving until your symptoms are well controlled.

Useful information about my sleep apnoea

Waiting for a specialist opinion

If you have been referred for a specialist opinion your details will be reviewed, and it may be recommended that you are seen by a hospital clinician. Information to support you in choosing your preferred hospital, including waiting times can be found below.

How long will I wait?

If a hospital assessment and/or treatment is clinically recommended you will be referred for to a specialist. Click below to find out more about waiting times for routine hospital assessment and/or treatment.