Fast track your treatment
To book an appointment or speak with one of our friendly team, please get in touch using the options below
Sleep apnoea is a potentially dangerous sleep disorder where your breathing stops and starts while you are asleep. The most common type of sleep apnoea is obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA).
Because your breathing is interrupted during the night, you don't sleep as well. This means you're not well rested and can lead to a feeling of exhaustion during the day. It also can be dangerous to your health.
The cause of sleep apnoea is a relaxing of the muscles and soft tissues in your throat, which restricts your oxygen supply. When your brain senses that you can't breathe it will wake you up briefly so that you reopen your airway This brings you out of deep sleep and either enter light sleep or wake up completely. You won't have any memory of this, but you will likely feel the effects during the day.
Treatment for sleep apnoea
Often, sleep apnoea can be managed with lifestyle changes or with non-invasive treatments such as CPAP machines, which help you to breathe better while you sleep (see below for more). If these methods don't work, you might need surgery.
This page will tell you everything you need to know about finding out whether you have obstructive sleep apnoea and how it can be treated. If you think you need a test for OSA, call us today to book an appointment with one of our specialists.
Sleep apnoea is when your throat muscles relax while you sleep, restricting your oxygen supply. It can make your breathing stop and start and can cause you to gasp and snort, or even choke in your sleep. You might snore badly, and whether you remember or not you will probably wake up a lot during the night.
Because most of the signs of sleep apnoea are only apparent while you're asleep, many people do not realise something is wrong. You will normally find that it's the secondary symptoms which are also apparent during the day that lead to a diagnosis of OSA.
Symptoms of obstructive sleep apnoea
Symptoms of sleep apnoea that you might notice include:
- Feeling very tired all the time
- Problems concentrating
- Mood swings
- Headaches in the morning
These symptoms happen because your sleep has been interrupted and disrupted.
Screening for sleep apnoea
If you think you might have sleep apnoea, you should speak to a specialist about getting tested. Tests for sleep apnoea generally involve monitoring your breathing and your heartbeat while you sleep.
You might be able to go home and sleep as normal while we monitor you, or sometimes we'll ask you to stay overnight in our sleep clinic.
At the Circle Health Group, we find that sleep apnoea can be caused by several factors:
- Obesity: Excess weight is the most common cause, as it can lead to extra tissue in the throat
- Anatomy: A naturally narrow throat or enlarged tonsils or adenoids can cause obstruction
- Age: Sleep apnoea becomes more common as you get older
- Gender: Men are more likely to develop sleep apnoea than women
- Smoking: This can increase inflammation and fluid retention in the upper airway
- Alcohol or sedative use: These relax the muscles in your throat
- Nasal congestion: Difficulty breathing through your nose can contribute to sleep apnoea
Our specialists will work with you to identify your specific risk factors and develop a tailored treatment plan.
The cost of sleep apnoea screening and treatment will vary from person to person, depending on various factors. These include the number and types of tests you have, which hospital you choose to visit, and the treatment course you decide on.
We will confirm the exact cost with you ahead of time. Diagnostic tests are usually paid for separately, while any course of treatment you are recommended after diagnosis will usually be part of a fixed-price package.
These fixed-price packages include the cost of any procedures you need and all appropriate aftercare appointments. However, any diagnostic tests and your consultant’s outpatient appointment consultation fee are charged separately.
Our flexible payment options help you spread the cost of your payment across a time period that suits you. We offer fixed-term monthly payment plans over one to five years with no deposit required. If you decide to pay over 10 months, you will pay interest-free. If you are paying for a longer period, you will pay 14.9% APR.
If you have private health insurance, pacemaker implantation will usually be covered by your provider. Speak to your insurer directly to find out.
It's very important to get treatment for sleep apnoea as soon as possible. Sleep apnoea can lead to further problems including high blood pressure and a higher risk of heart attack and stroke. It increases the risk of abnormal heartbeats and can even lead to heart failure.
Treatment for OSA will usually begin with lifestyle changes, which can help to manage risk factors. There are also certain non-surgical treatments that can help you to breathe better while you sleep.
If these don't work, you might be recommended surgery.
Lifestyle changes
One of the first things your consultant will recommend is that you try to make lifestyle changes to manage your OSA. Excess weight is one of the biggest risk factors for sleep apnoea, so weight loss if often recommended.
Other risk factors that might be within your control include:
- Smoking
- Use of alcohol
- Use of sedatives or tranquilisers
CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines
A CPAP machine is a device that pumps air into a mask that you wear over your mouth or nose while you sleep. This is one of the most common treatments for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA). It can stop your airways getting to narrow while you sleep, which can reduce the symptoms of tiredness during the day as well as lowering your risk of high blood pressure and other problems that can happen as a result of OSA.
Surgery for sleep apnoea
Most people do not need to have surgery to treat their sleep apnoea, however some people do not respond to the other treatments.
If this is the case for you, there are a number of surgical treatments available for sleep apnoea, which differ depending on what's causing your breathing problems.
For example, if your tonsils are blocking your airway, a tonsillectomy to remove them could allow you to breathe more clearly. If soft tissues in your throat are preventing normal breathing, an operation called an Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) can remove it to widen the airway.
Is sleep apnoea dangerous?
If sleep apnoea is left untreated, it can lead to health complications. Circle Health Group takes sleep apnoea seriously because of those potential health risks. Untreated sleep apnoea can lead to:
- High blood pressure
- An elevated risk of heart attacks and strokes
- Irregular heartbeats or arrythmia
- Type 2 diabetes
- Liver problems
- Complications with medications and surgery
That’s why we offer comprehensive screening and treatment options to help manage this condition effectively and reduce these risks.
Can you die from sleep apnoea?
While it is rare for someone to die directly from sleep apnoea, untreated severe sleep apnoea could raise the risk of some potentially life-threatening complications. At Circle Health Group, therefore, we both emphasise and advise the importance of early diagnosis and treatment to prevent more serious outcomes.
Our specialists work closely with you to manage your sleep apnoea effectively, significantly reducing these risks and improving your overall health and quality of life.
Is sleep apnoea a disability?
Sleep apnoea is not in itself normally classified as a disability, but in severe cases, it can have a big impact on people's everyday living and performance at work. At Circle Health Group, we understand the issues sleep apnoea can bring. If your sleep apnoea severely affects your ability to work or perform daily activities, it might be considered as a disability under certain circumstances.
We focus on providing effective treatment to help manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life, regardless of whether it’s officially classified as a disability. Our goal is to help you function at your best, both at work and in your personal life.
Is sleep apnoea hereditary?
There is evidence to suggest that sleep apnoea can have a hereditary component. As part of our holistic and comprehensive assessment at the Circle Health Group, we do take into account family history. While genetics can play a role, it’s important to note that other factors, such as obesity, neck thickness or circumference, and facial structure, also contribute significantly to the development of sleep apnoea.
If you have a family history of sleep apnoea, we recommend discussing this with one of our specialists. They can provide personalised advice on prevention and early detection strategies.
Can you drive with sleep apnoea?
If you have sleep apnoea, driving can be a concern due to the risk of falling asleep at the wheel. At Circle Health Group, we advise:
- If you've been diagnosed with sleep apnoea and are receiving effective treatment (such as using a CPAP machine), you can usually continue to drive safely
- You must inform the DVLA if you have sleep apnoea that affects your driving
- If your sleep apnoea is well-controlled, you may not need to stop driving
Our specialists can provide guidance on managing your condition and advise on when it's safe for you to drive. We work with you to ensure your treatment is effective, helping you maintain your independence and safety on the road.
What is mild sleep apnoea?
Mild sleep apnoea is typically defined as having 5 to 14 apnoea episodes per hour of sleep. At Circle Health Group, we use sleep studies to accurately diagnose the severity of your condition. Symptoms of mild sleep apnoea may include:
- Light snoring
- Occasional daytime sleepiness
- Minor sleep disruptions
Even mild sleep apnoea can impact your quality of life, so we recommend discussing any symptoms with one of our specialists. We offer various treatment options, including lifestyle changes and CPAP therapy, tailored to the severity of your condition.
What is severe sleep apnoea?
Severe sleep apnoea is typically diagnosed when a person experiences 30 or more apnoea episodes per hour of sleep. At Circle Health Group, we take severe sleep apnoea very seriously due to its significant health risks. Symptoms may include:
- Loud and frequent snoring
- Observed pauses in breathing during sleep
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty concentrating
- Mood changes
If you're experiencing these symptoms, we strongly recommend scheduling an appointment with one of our sleep specialists. We offer advanced diagnostic tools and a range of treatment options, including CPAP therapy and surgical interventions, if necessary, to effectively manage severe sleep apnoea.
What are the warning signs of sleep apnoea?
We advise patients to be aware of these common warning signs of sleep apnoea:
- Loud, persistent snoring
- Gasping or choking sounds during sleep
- Observed pauses in breathing while asleep
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
- Mood changes, irritability, or depression
- Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking
- Night sweats
- Restless sleep or insomnia
If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, we recommend booking an appointment with one of our sleep specialists for a comprehensive evaluation.
What's the life expectancy of someone with sleep apnoea?
Untreated severe sleep apnoea can potentially reduce life expectancy due to its association with various health complications. However, at Circle Health Group, we emphasise that with proper treatment, the outlook is much more positive. Effective management of sleep apnoea can significantly reduce associated health risks and improve overall life expectancy.
Our goal is to diagnose sleep apnoea early and provide effective treatment, which may include lifestyle changes, CPAP therapy, or in some cases, surgical interventions. With appropriate care, many people with sleep apnoea can lead long, healthy lives.
What happens if sleep apnoea goes untreated?
At Circle Health Group, we stress the importance of treating sleep apnoea due to the serious consequences of leaving it untreated. If sleep apnoea goes untreated, it can lead to:
- Increased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke
- Type 2 diabetes
- Liver problems
- Complications with medications and surgery
- Increased risk of motor vehicle accidents due to daytime sleepiness
- Relationship problems due to loud snoring
- Decreased quality of life and productivity
- Mood disorders such as depression or anxiety
We offer a range of private treatment options to help manage your sleep apnoea effectively and prevent these potential complications. Don't hesitate to reach out to us if you suspect you might have sleep apnoea – early diagnosis and treatment are key to maintaining your health and well-being.
When you choose to go private with Circle Health Group, you can expect:
- Flexible appointment times to fit your schedule
- The freedom to choose your hospital and your consultant
- Bespoke, consultant-led treatment plans tailored to your individual needs
- Private en-suite rooms as standard
- Tasty and nutritious meals cooked onsite to your dietary requirements
- Support from the same compassionate clinical team from beginning to end
- Affordable, fixed-price packages with aftercare included
- Flexible payment options to help spread the cost of your care
If you think you have obstructive sleep apnoea and want to speak to a cardiologist or one of our sleep specialists, book your appointment online today or call a member of our team directly on 0141 300 5009.
Content reviewed by Circle in-house team in September 2024. Next review due September 2027.
- Sleep apnoea symptoms, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute
- Sleep apnoea causes, Mayo Clinic
- Sleep apnoea, NHS
- Sleep apnoea and driving, Gov.uk
- Sleep apnoea symptoms, Cleveland Clinic
- Sleep apnoea symptoms, Web MD
- The dangers of uncontrolled sleep apnoea, Hopkins Medicine
