Obstructive sleep apnoea
Also called: OSA, Sleep apnea
The throat repeatedly collapses during sleep, stopping breathing for 10 seconds or more many times an hour. Sleep is fragmented, leading to daytime sleepiness, and blood pressure and heart risk rise.
Condition-specific references are below. Individual claims and this page have not been clinically reviewed. Read about this content.
Causes
- Narrow or floppy upper airway during sleep
Risk factors
- Obesity and large neck
- Male sex and older age
- Enlarged tonsils (children)
- Small jaw
- Alcohol and sedatives at night
- Menopause
Symptoms
- Loud snoring with pauses and gasps
- Daytime sleepiness
- Morning headaches
- Poor concentration
- Waking to urinate at night
Diagnosis — tests and examinations
- Epworth Sleepiness Scale
- Home sleep study or polysomnography (apnoea–hypopnoea index)
Treatment
Medicines and medical treatment
- Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) at night — most effective
- Mandibular advancement devices
- Weight-loss medicines (e.g. tirzepatide) in obesity
Operations and procedures
- Tonsillectomy in children
- Hypoglossal nerve stimulation
- Jaw advancement surgery
Self-care, home remedies and lifestyle
- Lose weight
- Avoid alcohol and sedatives before bed
- Sleep on your side
- Do not drive when sleepy
Possible complications
- Hypertension
- Atrial fibrillation, heart attack and stroke
- Road accidents
- Type 2 diabetes
Prevention
- Maintaining a healthy weight
Outlook
Symptoms improve dramatically with regular CPAP use.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor for loud snoring with breathing pauses or unexplained daytime sleepiness.
Sources and further reading
These sources cover this condition. They have not been checked against every statement on this page.
Related conditions
Educational overview, not medical advice. Treatment varies by person and location. Consult a qualified health professional for diagnosis or care. Read our content and model notes and privacy information.