Sleep apnea is when your breathing stops and starts while you sleep. The most common type is called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Sleep apnea needs to be treated because it can lead to more serious problems.

Check if you have sleep apnea

Symptoms of sleep apnea mainly happen while you sleep.

They include:

  • breathing stopping and starting
  • making gasping, snorting or choking noises
  • waking up a lot
  • loud snoring

During the day, you may also:

  • feel very tired
  • find it hard to concentrate
  • have mood swings
  • have a headache when you wake up

Information:

It can be hard to tell if you have sleep apnea. It may help to ask someone to stay with you while you sleep so they can check for the symptoms.

Non-urgent advice:  See a GP if:

You have any of the main symptoms of sleep apnea, such as:

  • your breathing stops and starts while you sleep
  • you make gasping, snorting or choking noises while you sleep
  • you always feel very tired during the day

If someone else has seen you have the symptoms, it can help to bring them with you to the GP.

Sleep apnea can be serious if it's not diagnosed and treated.