What is Obstructive Sleep Apnoea?
Normally during sleep, the muscles which control the tongue and soft palate hold the upper airway open. If these muscles relax, the airway becomes narrower, often causing snoring and sometimes breathing difficulties. If these muscles relax too much, the airway can become completely blocked, preventing breathing. This is Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (O.S.A.) - an apnoea is classified by breathing stopping completely for 10 seconds or more.

After a period of time, which may be anything from ten seconds to two minutes, the brain realises there is a lack of oxygen. It will alert the body to wake up. Though the sufferer is often not aware of it, this can happen several hundred times during the night, severely disrupting sleep.

How can you tell if someone has OSA?
If you listen while they sleep you will hear snoring followed by a period of silence. There may then be a loud snort or gasp as they start breathing again.

What can be done about it?
If you experience any of the symptoms of O.S.A., ask your doctor to refer you to your local 'Sleep Service'. Likewise, if your partner shows any of the signs of O.S.A. you should persuade them to see their doctor. Take a look at the symptoms page and see if you recognise any of them. The 'Sleep Service' at the hospital will carry out tests to see if you have O.S.A. ...