Sleep apnoea
Overview
Sleep apnoea is when your breathing stops and starts while you sleep. The most common type is called obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Sleep apnoea needs to be treated because it can lead to more serious problems.
Symptoms
Symptoms of sleep apnoea mainly happen while you sleep. They include: breathing stopping and startingmaking gasping, snorting or choking noiseswaking up a lotloud snoring During the day, you may also: feel very tiredfind it hard to concentratehave mood swingshave a headache when you wake up It can be hard to tell if you have sleep apnoea. It may help to ask someone to stay with you while you sleep so they can check for the symptoms.
Causes
Without treatment, sleep apnoea can lead to other problems including: high blood pressurea higher chance of having astroketype 2 diabetesheart diseasedepressionor mood changesa higher chance of having a serious accident caused by tiredness, such as a car accidentdifficulty concentrating at work or school Sleep apnoea can also be difficult for your partner and put a strain on your relationship with them. Sleep apnoea happens if your airways become too narrow while you sleep. This stops you breathing properly. Sleep apnoea has been linked to: obesityhaving a large neckgetting older – although children and young adults can also get ithaving other family members with sleep apnoeasmoking and drinking alcoholhaving large tonsils or adenoidssleeping on your backa condition calledchronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Treatment
Sleep apnoea can sometimes be treated by making lifestyle changes like losing weight, giving up smoking and reducing how much alcohol you drink. But many people need to use a device called a CPAP machine. You'll be given this for free on the NHS if you need it. Other treatments sometimes used for sleep apnoea include: a gum shield-like device that holds your airways open while you sleep (mandibular advancement device)surgery to help your breathing, such as removing large tonsils
Prevention
Lose weight; Stop smoking; Limit alcohol.
When to see a doctor
See GP if: symptoms of sleep apnoea (partner may notice snoring/stopping breathing).