Sleep Apnoea: Warning Signs and When to See a Doctor
Loud snoring, pauses in breathing seen by a partner, gasping awake, morning headaches and heavy daytime sleepiness can signal obstructive sleep apnoea. It needs medical assessment; CPAP is the first-line treatment for moderate to severe cases. A mattress cannot treat it.
Key points
- Warning signs. Loud snoring, witnessed breathing pauses, choking or gasping at night, morning headache, unrefreshing sleep and daytime sleepiness.
- Why it matters. Untreated sleep apnoea is linked to cardiovascular and other health risks, and to sleepiness while driving.
- What helps. A doctor may arrange a sleep test. Treatments include CPAP, oral appliances and positional therapy, depending on the person.
Warning signs
Loud snoring, witnessed breathing pauses, choking or gasping at night, morning headache, unrefreshing sleep and daytime sleepiness.
Why it matters
Untreated sleep apnoea is linked to cardiovascular and other health risks, and to sleepiness while driving.
What helps
A doctor may arrange a sleep test. Treatments include CPAP, oral appliances and positional therapy, depending on the person.
Frequently asked questions
Can my mattress or pillow fix snoring?
They may improve comfort or position but they do not treat sleep apnoea.
Can I test myself?
Consumer devices cannot diagnose it; see a doctor.
Sources
- NHS. Sleep apnoea: symptoms and when to see a doctor. Source
- Patil SP, et al. Treatment of adult obstructive sleep apnea with positive airway pressure: an American Academy of Sleep Medicine clinical practice guideline. J Clin Sleep Med 2019;15(2):335–343. PubMed
- Ramar K, et al. Clinical practice guideline for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea and snoring with oral appliance therapy: an update for 2015. J Clin Sleep Med 2015;11(7):773–827. PubMed
- Srijithesh PR, et al. Positional therapy for obstructive sleep apnoea. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2019;5:CD010990. PubMed
Links go to PubMed searches for the paper title or to the official guideline or regulator page. Standards and regulations are revised, so check the current edition before relying on them. Mattress and pillow research is limited; treat findings as a starting point.
Keep reading
Sleep Guide: Habits, Bedroom and Comfort Basics
Practical, non-medical guidance on sleep habits, bedroom setup and comfort, with sources to trust and when to see a doctor.
Read more →Sleep healthWhy Do I Wake Up Tired Even After 8 Hours?
Common reasons for unrefreshing sleep, from schedule and alcohol to sleep apnoea, and when to see a doctor.
Read more →Sleep healthHow to Improve Sleep Quality: Evidence-Based Steps
Practical, evidence-based steps for better sleep: schedule, light, temperature, comfort and when to get help.
Read more →ComfortHow to Choose a Mattress for Older Adults (With Medical Notes)
Comfort, access and safety for older adults: firmness, edge support, height, pressure care and when to involve a clinician.
Read more →This article is general information, not medical advice. If you have persistent pain or sleep problems, please speak to a doctor.
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