What Is Sleep Aponea?

Sleep apnoea (sometimes spelled sleep apnea) is a common condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, often due to airway obstruction. It can lead to loud snoring, disrupted sleep, and significant daytime fatigue.

Many people are unaware they have sleep apnoea, but symptoms such as persistent tiredness, poor concentration, and morning headaches can have a noticeable impact on daily life.

Sleep apnoea is treatable, and early assessment can help improve sleep quality and reduce longer-term health risks.

What Are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnoea?

Loud snoring is one of the most common signs of sleep apnoea, but not everyone who snores has the condition. Other symptoms can be more subtle and may go unnoticed for some time.

Common symptoms include:

• Loud, persistent snoring
• Pauses in breathing during sleep (often noticed by a partner)
• Waking feeling unrefreshed
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Morning headaches
• Poor concentration or memory
• Irritability or low mood

In some cases, patients may also experience breathing difficulties or a persistent cough lasting more than three weeks, particularly where other respiratory conditions are present.

How Is Sleep Apnoea Diagnosed?

Sleep apnoea is usually diagnosed through a combination of symptom assessment and sleep monitoring. A respiratory specialist will review symptoms such as loud snoring, pauses in breathing during sleep, excessive daytime tiredness, and morning headaches.

In many cases, diagnosis involves a sleep study, which may be carried out at home using portable monitoring equipment or in a sleep laboratory. These tests measure breathing patterns, oxygen levels, heart rate, and sleep stages.

The results help determine whether sleep apnoea is present and how severe it is, which then guides appropriate treatment options.

In some cases, further respiratory assessment or lung health screening may be recommended depending on symptoms.

What Is a Sleep Study and How Does It Work?

A sleep study is the main test used to diagnose sleep apnoea. It records breathing patterns, oxygen levels, heart rate, and airflow while you sleep.

In many cases, this can be carried out at home using portable monitoring equipment. The device is worn overnight and allows assessment in a normal sleeping environment.

In some situations, a more detailed overnight study in a sleep laboratory may be recommended.

How Is Sleep Apnea Treated?

In the UK, treatment options for sleep apnea vary based on the severity of the condition and its underlying causes. Here are the most common treatments:

Lifestyle changes

• Weight loss (if overweight)
• Avoiding alcohol and sedatives
• Smoking cessation
• Changing sleep position (e.g. sleeping on the side)

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy

The most common and effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. A CPAP machine delivers a constant stream of air through a mask to keep the airways open during sleep.

Oral appliances

Custom-made dental devices that help reposition the jaw and tongue to keep the airway open. These are typically used for mild to moderate sleep apnea.

Surgery:

Surgical options may be considered for severe cases or when other treatments fail. Procedures may include:

• Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) to remove excess tissue from the throat.
• Genioglossus advancement to reposition the tongue muscle attachment.
• Maxillomandibular advancement to reposition the jaw.

Positional therapy

Devices or methods that encourage sleeping on one’s side instead of the back to prevent airway obstruction.

Medications

While there are no specific medications for sleep apnea, certain medications may help with related conditions, such as excessive daytime sleepiness.

Ongoing monitoring and support

Regular follow-ups with healthcare providers to assess treatment effectiveness and make necessary adjustments.

When Should You See a Specialist?

If you experience symptoms such as loud snoring, pauses in breathing during sleep, or ongoing daytime fatigue, it may be appropriate to seek specialist advice.

You should consider assessment if symptoms are persistent, worsening, or affecting your quality of life.

Early evaluation can help confirm a diagnosis and guide appropriate treatment.

Specialist Sleep Apnoea Assessment in London

Dr Shalin Diwanji offers specialist assessment and management of sleep apnoea and related respiratory conditions.

If you are experiencing ongoing symptoms or would like further advice, you can request a consultation.

Related Respiratory Conditions

• Breathlessness
• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
• Bronchiectasis
• Chest Infection

Respiratory Consultation Locations

Dr Shalin Diwanji offers respiratory consultations for sleep apnoea at several private hospital locations across London.

Read Our Blog