Have you been told you snore, stop breathing in your sleep, or feel tired no matter how much you sleep? You might be one of the millions living with sleep apnea—a serious yet treatable sleep disorder.

What Is Sleep Apnoea?

Sleep apnea (or sleep apnoea) is a condition where your breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. These pauses can last 10 seconds or more and happen dozens—or even hundreds—of times a night.

The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), caused by a blockage in the airway. There’s also Central Sleep Apnoea (CSA), which is related to how the brain signals the muscles to breathe, which is the more rare type.

Common Symptoms of Sleep Apnoea

Many people don’t realise they have sleep apnoea until a partner notices or a sleep study reveals it. Here are the most common signs:

• Loud, frequent snoring
• Gasping or choking during sleep
• Pauses in breathing at night
• Waking up tired, even after a full night’s sleep
• Morning headaches
• Daytime sleepiness or fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating or memory issues
• Mood changes like irritability or depression

Why Sleep Apnea Is Serious?

Untreated sleep apnea is more than just a bad night’s sleep. It can lead to serious health problems, including:

• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Type 2 diabetes
• Weight gain
• Depression and anxiety
• Increased risk of accidents due to fatigue

The good news? With the right treatment, most people experience huge improvements in sleep quality, energy, and overall health.

Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea

1. CPAP Therapy

The gold-standard treatment for obstructive sleep apnea is CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure). A CPAP machine delivers a steady stream of air through a mask to keep your airway open while you sleep. The Benefits of CPAP include:

• Restful, uninterrupted sleep
• Reduced snoring
• Improved energy and mood
• Lower health risks

At Sleep Warehouse, we offer a wide range of CPAP machines, masks, and accessories to suit every sleep style and budget. Not sure what you need? Our team is here to help you choose the right setup. Contact Us – Sleep Warehouse

2. Lifestyle Changes

Some people can reduce symptoms with:

• Weight loss
• Avoiding alcohol or sedatives
• Sleeping on their side
• Quitting smoking

3. Oral Appliances/ Mouthguards

Custom-made mouthguards can help reposition the jaw to keep the airway open. These are typically used for mild to moderate cases.

4. Surgery

In some cases, surgery may be recommended to remove excess tissue or correct structural issues in the airway.

When to See a Doctor

If you or someone close to you notices signs of sleep apnoea—like snoring, gasping, or excessive tiredness—speak to your GP. A simple sleep study can confirm the diagnosis and guide the best treatment.

Sleep apnoea is more common than many people realise—and it’s very treatable. CPAP therapy is one of the most effective ways to manage symptoms and get back to living (and sleeping) well.