Sleep apnoea signs UK: symptoms, diagnosis and treatment
Obstructive sleep apnoea explained — snoring, daytime sleepiness, health risks, CPAP treatment and when to seek a sleep study.
Sleep apnoea is under-diagnosed in the UK. Partners often notice it before patients do — and untreated apnoea raises cardiovascular risk.
Key symptoms
- Loud snoring with witnessed pauses
- Gasping or choking arousals
- Unrefreshing sleep and daytime sleepiness
- Morning headaches and poor concentration
Who is at higher risk
- Obesity and larger neck circumference
- Men and post-menopausal women
- Alcohol before bed
- Nasal obstruction
Diagnosis — sleep study required
Home sleep studies or hospital polysomnography measure apnoea severity (AHI score). Online questionnaires cannot diagnose apnoea safely.
Treatment options
CPAP — positive airway pressure during sleep — gold standard for moderate-severe disease.
Weight loss — improves mild apnoea; see weight management.
Mandibular advancement devices — for mild cases or CPAP intolerance.
Urgent reasons to seek help
Falling asleep driving, severe daytime sleepiness, or apnoea with heart failure — GP referral promptly.
Book a GP consultation to discuss referral.
Frequently asked questions
What are the warning signs of sleep apnoea?
Loud snoring with breathing pauses, gasping at night, daytime sleepiness despite sleep, and morning headaches — especially with obesity or large neck size.
Is sleep apnoea dangerous?
Untreated moderate-severe sleep apnoea increases risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and road accidents from sleepiness.
Can sleep apnoea be treated online?
Diagnosis requires a sleep study — not online pills alone. Online GPs can refer and discuss weight management; CPAP is prescribed after formal diagnosis.
Does losing weight cure sleep apnoea?
Weight loss improves mild apnoea for many people but moderate-severe cases often still need CPAP even after weight loss.
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