Quick answer
Sleep apnea causes repeated interruptions to breathing during sleep, often with loud snoring, witnessed pauses, gasping or daytime fatigue. A sleep study can confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment.
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea can cause repeated interruptions to breathing during sleep, often accompanied by loud snoring, witnessed pauses, gasping or daytime fatigue.
What does an assessment involve?
A sleep-focused consultation looks at sleep patterns, breathing symptoms, daytime function, medical history and relevant medications. A sleep study or other investigations may be recommended.
How are sleep and breathing connected?
Some sleep complaints are closely linked to airway obstruction or breathing abnormalities during sleep. Identifying that link helps decide the right next step.
Not for emergencies. If breathing difficulty is severe or getting worse quickly, call 998 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Common questions
When should I see a specialist about sleep apnea?
Book an assessment if sleep problems are regular, affect how you function during the day, or come with loud snoring, pauses in breathing or gasping at night.
Is this an emergency?
Sleep problems are rarely emergencies, but severe breathing difficulty is. If you or someone else is struggling to breathe, call 998 or go to the nearest emergency department.
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