Snoring and possible sleep apnoea

Overview

Snoring is common, but snoring alongside pauses in breathing, choking or gasping during sleep can suggest sleep apnoea. Daytime tiredness, poor concentration or waking headaches may also be relevant. You may not notice the overnight symptoms yourself, so another person’s observations can be useful.

The effect on daily alertness matters as well as the noise. Interrupted sleep can affect work, relationships and safety. A description of loud snoring alone cannot establish whether breathing is repeatedly interrupted or determine how severe any underlying problem may be.

By telephone

A telephone consultation can review the sleep pattern, what someone else has noticed and how alert you feel during the day. Explain any unintended dozing or difficulty staying awake while doing important tasks. Mention driving or work that requires sustained attention early in the conversation.

The doctor may ask about nasal symptoms, sleep habits, alcohol, medicines and other health conditions. If you have already had a sleep study, have the report and current care plan available. The discussion can help identify unresolved questions or difficulties with an established treatment plan.

What cannot be done remotely

A phone call cannot inspect the nose and throat or measure breathing during sleep. Suspected sleep apnoea may need a specialist sleep assessment, often using an overnight recording. A sound recording or description of snoring does not replace that investigation.

Treatment choices depend on the assessment and severity. Do not assume an over-the-counter snoring product addresses interrupted breathing. Do not drive if excessive sleepiness affects alertness, including while suspected sleep apnoea is being investigated. Seek medical advice about when driving can resume and whether DVLA notification is required.

What to prepare

• Describe witnessed pauses, choking, gasping and waking during the night.
• Explain daytime sleepiness and effects on work or driving.
• List medicines, alcohol use and relevant existing conditions.
• Have any sleep-study report and treatment instructions available.

Sources

• NHS: snoring
• NHS: sleep apnoea
• GOV.UK: Excessive sleepiness and driving