More than a noisy night.
Sleep apnoea involves breathing stopping and starting during sleep. In the common obstructive type, the airway narrows while you are asleep.
What is worth bringing to a GP?
What someone else notices
Breathing pauses, gasping or choking during sleep are useful observations. Loud snoring can be part of the picture, but snoring alone does not prove sleep apnoea.
How the day feels
Persistent daytime sleepiness and concentration difficulties may accompany disturbed sleep. They can also have other causes.
What testing can do
A GP may arrange assessment and an overnight test. Tests for sleep apnoea often use equipment at home to monitor breathing and related signals.
Lee snores, has observed breathing pauses and is always very sleepy in the day. What is the useful next step?
Read the explanation
These symptoms warrant assessment. A recording or symptom description may provide context, but it cannot replace an appropriate clinical assessment.
Treatment depends on assessment.
Some people need CPAP, which gently delivers air through a mask to help keep the airway open. Other options and lifestyle measures depend on the individual assessment.
Treating sleep apnoea can improve sleep and reduce associated health risks. Do not dismiss it simply because snoring is common.