Sleep apnoea

In sleep apnoea, breathing repeatedly stops or decreases during sleep. This disrupts sleep and can cause oxygen levels to fall. Loud snoring, witnessed breathing pauses and daytime sleepiness need investigation, especially after near-accidents or with cardiovascular disease.

• Loud, irregular snoring, pauses in breathing followed by gasping, snorting or waking with a start.
• Waking unrefreshed, morning headache, a dry mouth or frequent urination at night.
• Do not drive or operate dangerous machinery when sleepy or close to falling asleep.
• Avoid alcohol in the evening and only use sleeping pills or sedatives after medical consultation.
• Make an appointment for witnessed breathing pauses, loud irregular snoring or unrefreshing sleep.
• For urgent GP care outside normal opening hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediately life-threatening situation.