Sleep Apnoea
Last Updated: July 3, 2026
Key Points
- Breathing stops and starts during sleep
- Most common type is obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA)
- Can lead to serious health problems if untreated
- Often causes loud snoring and daytime tiredness
Overview
Sleep apnoea is a condition where your breathing repeatedly stops and starts while you are asleep. The most common form is obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), which occurs when your airways become too narrow during sleep, preventing proper breathing. This can lead to disrupted sleep and serious health issues. The condition is often linked to factors like obesity, having a large neck, and getting older, though it can affect anyone. Alcohol consumption, smoking, and sleeping on your back can also contribute. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to manage symptoms and prevent complications. Management typically involves lifestyle adjustments, such as weight loss, and the use of special devices like a CPAP machine. Other treatments, including oral appliances or surgery, may also be considered depending on the severity of the condition.
Signs and Symptoms
- Breathing stops and starts during sleep
- Gasping, snorting, or choking noises while sleeping
- Waking up frequently
- Loud snoring
- Feeling very tired during the day
- Difficulty concentrating
- Mood swings
- Headache upon waking
Things That Increase the Risk
- Obesity or being overweight
- Having a large neck
- Older age
- Family history of sleep apnoea
- Drinking alcohol
- Smoking
- Large tonsils or adenoids
- Sleeping on your back
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Diagnosis
- Consultation with a GP for initial assessment
- Referral to a specialist sleep clinic
- Overnight sleep study (polysomnography)
- Monitoring breathing, heartbeat, and oxygen levels during sleep
- Apnoea–hypopnoea index (AHI) score to determine severity
Treatment & Management
- Lifestyle changes (e.g., weight loss, quitting smoking)
- CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine
- Mandibular advancement device (mouthpiece)
- Surgery (e.g., tonsil removal)
- Exercises for mouth and facial muscles
- Hypoglossal nerve stimulation
Prevention
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Exercise regularly
- Practice good sleep habits
- Sleep on your side
- Avoid smoking
- Limit alcohol, especially before bed
- Avoid sleeping pills unless prescribed by a doctor
Available Treatments
Explore our range of treatment options for Sleep Apnoea:
Surgical Options
Learn about surgical procedures available for Sleep Apnoea:
Contents
Quick Info
Affects
Breathing during sleep
Prevalence
Common, affects many people
Diagnosis
Sleep study
Treatment
CPAP machine, lifestyle changes
Medically Reviewed
Dr. Vijay Bhat
Orthopedic Surgeon · Apollo Hospitals, Chennai
Reviewed on July 3, 2026
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