A widely undiagnosed condition could be affecting as many as millions of people in the UK – and it can lead to higher risk of stroke, among many other serious problems. While sleep apnoea is common, most sufferers do not know they have it.
The condition occurs when a person’s breathing stops and starts during sleep. Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is the most common type, with NHS bosses warning it needs to be treated as soon as possible.
According to information shared by the University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust, undiagnosed OSA means a driver is ten times more likely to have a road traffic accident, and can reduce a person’s life expectancy by up to 20%. Undiagnosed OSA, it adds, also costs the NHS £28m each year.
NHS guidance reads: “It can be hard to tell if you have sleep apnoea. It may help to ask someone to stay with you while you sleep so they can check for the symptoms.”
Warning signs include your breathing stopping and starting, making snorting, gasping or choking noises, loud snoring, and waking frequently during sleep. During the day a person may also find it hard to concentrate, feel very tired, experience mood swings, and have a headache on waking.
Without treatment, sleep apnoea can cause other health issues including high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, depression, and higher chance of having a stroke. If you think you may have sleep apnoea, you should see a GP.
NHS advice adds: “If someone else has seen your symptoms, it can also be helpful to take them along to the appointment with you.”