Snoring or sleep apnoea? How to tell the difference

Plenty of adults snore from time to time, and most of the time it is harmless. But when snoring is loud, persistent, and accompanied by daytime tiredness or witnessed pauses in breathing, it can be a sign of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) — a condition that significantly raises the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and motor vehicle accidents.

Common warning signs

If you notice any of the following — in yourself or in a family member — it is worth talking to a sleep specialist:

• Loud, habitual snoring most nights
• Witnessed pauses in breathing followed by gasping or choking
• Waking up with a dry mouth, sore throat, or headache
• Excessive daytime sleepiness, even after a full night in bed
• Difficulty concentrating, irritability, or low mood
• High blood pressure that is hard to control

How we diagnose it

The gold standard for diagnosing OSA is an overnight polysomnogram (sleep study). We use small, non-invasive sensors to measure your brain activity, breathing, oxygen levels, heart rate, and movement while you sleep. The data is then scored and reviewed by a specialist who explains exactly what is happening overnight.

What treatment looks like

For most patients, the first-line treatment for moderate-to-severe OSA is CPAP therapy — a small machine that delivers gentle pressurised air through a mask to keep the airway open. It sounds intrusive, but most patients adapt within a few weeks and report dramatically improved energy, mood, and concentration.

Other options include weight management, positional therapy, and oral appliances, depending on the severity and underlying cause.

What to do next

If you suspect that you (or a partner) might have sleep apnoea, do not ignore it. The condition is highly treatable, and the impact of treatment on quality of life is often profound.

Get in touch with our clinic and we will help you arrange the right type of assessment.