What it is
Losing weight, stopping smoking, cutting down on alcohol and sleeping on your side can help.
Many people use a CPAP machine, which gently pumps air into a mask while you sleep. Mouth devices or surgery are options for some.
Common signs
- Breathing stopping and starting during sleep
- Loud snoring
- Gasping or choking in sleep
- Feeling very sleepy during the day
- Waking often
- Headaches in the morning
How it is usually diagnosed
- Questions about sleep and sleepiness
- A sleep study at home or in a clinic
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Sleep study reports
- CPAP usage reports
- Sleep clinic or respiratory letters
Questions to ask your doctor
- How severe is my sleep apnoea?
- Do I need a CPAP machine?
- Do I need to tell anyone about it for driving?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Falling asleep while driving or at dangerous moments, or chest pain: stop driving and get urgent help, call 112 if needed
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.