Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
A condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep because the throat closes, causing loud snoring and daytime sleepiness.
Quick Summary
Loud snoring, gasping or choking at night, pauses in breathing, waking unrefreshed, daytime sleepiness and morning headaches.
Weight loss, sleeping on your side, avoiding alcohol at night, and a CPAP machine for moderate to severe cases.
Obesity, a thick neck, older age, being male, smoking, alcohol and a family history.
Overview
In obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), the muscles in the throat relax too much during sleep, blocking the airway. Breathing stops briefly and the brain wakes you up to breathe again, many times a night.
Untreated OSA increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and accidents from sleepiness.
Symptoms
Loud snoring
Often with pauses and gasping noticed by a partner.
Daytime sleepiness
Falling asleep easily during the day.
Morning headaches
And poor concentration.
Waking at night
To pass urine or with a dry mouth.
Causes & Risk Factors
Biological Causes
The upper airway narrows or collapses during sleep due to relaxed throat muscles and extra tissue around the neck.
Key Risk Factors
- Obesity The strongest risk factor.
- Alcohol and sedatives Relax the throat muscles.
- Anatomy Large tonsils, a small jaw or a thick neck.
Management & Treatment
01. Lifestyle
Losing weight, avoiding alcohol before bed and sleeping on your side.
02. CPAP
A machine that keeps the airway open with gentle air pressure through a mask.
03. Other options
Mouth devices or surgery for some people.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is snoring always sleep apnoea?
How is it diagnosed?
Is it dangerous to drive?
Sources and further reading
Last updated 21 October 2026. For more detail, see these trusted health organisations.
- Sleep Apnea(opens in a new tab) · MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- Sleep apnoea(opens in a new tab) · NHS