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Sleep apnoea

Overview

Open all pages about Sleep apnoea

The main symptoms of sleep apnoea include making gasping or choking noises while you sleep, loud snoring and feeling very tired during the day.

You may have tests for sleep apnoea at a specialist sleep clinic. Things like your breathing and heartbeat might be checked while you sleep.

Sleep apnoea is often treated with a device called a CPAP machine. This gently pumps air into a mask you wear over your mouth or nose while you sleep.

Things you can try if you have sleep apnoea include losing weight if you're overweight, exercising regularly and good sleep habits.

If sleep apnoea is not treated, it can cause other problems including high blood pressure, stroke, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and depression.

Sleep apnoea is caused by your airways becoming relaxed and narrow while you sleep. It's linked to things like obesity and getting older.

Sleep apnoea is when your breathing stops and starts while you sleep. The most common type is called obstructive sleep apnoea.

Page last reviewed: 23/09/2022
Next review due: 23/09/2025