Snoring & Sleep Apnoea
Snoring & Sleep Apnoea
Snoring affects not just the person doing it but everyone around them. Beyond the impact on sleep and relationships, loud or frequent snoring can be a sign of obstructive sleep apnoea — a condition in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, with significant consequences for health and daytime functioning. Ms Mushi provides thorough assessment of snoring and sleep-disordered breathing, identifying underlying causes and offering targeted treatment.
What causes snoring?
Snoring occurs when airflow through the nose or throat is partially obstructed during sleep, causing the surrounding tissues to vibrate. Identifying and treating the underlying cause can make a significant difference to severity.
Structural factors
Nasal obstruction — from allergic rhinitis, a deviated nasal septum or enlarged turbinates — forces mouth breathing during sleep, significantly worsening snoring. Enlarged tonsils can contribute in both adults and children. The soft palate and uvula may also vibrate when the surrounding tissues are lax. Identifying which structures are contributing guides targeted treatment.
Lifestyle factors
Alcohol — particularly in the evening — relaxes the muscles of the throat and is one of the most significant aggravating factors. Sedative medication, obesity and smoking all worsen snoring. Sleeping on the back increases airway narrowing; positional therapy can help some patients. Addressing lifestyle factors often produces meaningful improvement alongside any medical or surgical treatment.
What is obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA)?
In OSA, the airway repeatedly collapses during sleep, causing pauses in breathing that may last from a few seconds to over a minute. Each episode causes a brief arousal from sleep — often unnoticed — and the cycle repeats many times throughout the night. OSA is significantly underdiagnosed. Note: untreated OSA can affect fitness to drive; significant daytime sleepiness should be discussed with your doctor.
Typically reported by a partner, often with sudden snorts or gasps as breathing resumes.
A partner notices breathing stopping during sleep — one of the most telling signs of OSA.
Waking feeling exhausted despite apparently adequate hours of sleep.
Falling asleep in chairs, during conversations, or while driving — a significant safety concern.
Caused by repeated drops in oxygen level overnight.
Fragmented sleep impairs memory, concentration and emotional regulation.
How Ms Mushi assesses snoring and OSA
At your consultation
Ms Mushi will take a detailed history of your snoring pattern, sleep quality and daytime symptoms, and assess for features of obstructive sleep apnoea using validated screening tools. She will examine the nose and throat — including flexible nasendoscopy where indicated — to identify sites of obstruction such as nasal congestion, a deviated septum, enlarged turbinates or lax palatal tissue.
Investigations
An overnight home sleep study is the key investigation to diagnose and quantify obstructive sleep apnoea. This is done at home using a portable device that measures breathing, oxygen levels and sleep patterns overnight — straightforward to complete and highly informative. Where OSA is confirmed, Ms Mushi will coordinate referral to respiratory sleep services for formal interpretation and CPAP assessment.
Treatment options
Treatment is tailored to the underlying cause and the severity of any sleep apnoea. Many patients benefit from a combination of approaches.
Treating nasal obstruction
Restoring nasal breathing is an important first step for many patients. Dymista intranasal steroid and antihistamine spray combined with twice-daily nasal douching can significantly reduce snoring by treating rhinitis. Where structural causes — deviated septum or enlarged turbinates — are contributing, surgical correction may be appropriate.
Mandibular advancement device (MAD)
A custom-fitted oral appliance worn during sleep that holds the lower jaw slightly forward, tightening the soft tissues of the upper airway and reducing its tendency to collapse. Well tolerated by most patients and effective for snoring and mild to moderate OSA. Ms Mushi can advise on and refer for fitting of a custom device.
CPAP
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the gold standard treatment for moderate to severe OSA. A mask worn during sleep delivers a continuous stream of air to keep the airway open, eliminating apnoea episodes and transforming sleep quality. Arranged via respiratory and sleep medicine services following a sleep study.
Surgery & lifestyle
For selected patients with specific anatomical contributors, surgical options include septoplasty, turbinate reduction or tonsillectomy. Lifestyle measures including weight loss, reducing alcohol in the evening, stopping smoking and positional therapy (avoiding sleeping on the back) can significantly reduce snoring and improve OSA.
When should you seek a private ENT opinion?
A private consultation with Ms Mushi means you will be seen within days, with a full assessment and a clear management plan at the same appointment.
Snoring that is affecting your sleep or your partner's sleep
Snoring associated with witnessed pauses in breathing
Waking unrefreshed or feeling excessively tired during the day
Falling asleep inappropriately during the day — at work, while watching television, or in conversation
Morning headaches on waking
Concerns about whether snoring may be affecting your health
You have been told you may have sleep apnoea and want prompt assessment
Frequently asked questions
Is snoring dangerous?
Simple snoring without sleep apnoea is not dangerous to health, though it can significantly affect sleep quality and relationships. Snoring associated with obstructive sleep apnoea is linked to increased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes, making treatment important.
How do I know if I have sleep apnoea?
The most telling signs are loud snoring with witnessed pauses in breathing, waking unrefreshed, and significant daytime sleepiness. A home sleep study is the definitive investigation. If you recognise these symptoms, specialist assessment is the right next step.
What is a mandibular advancement device?
A mandibular advancement device (MAD) is a custom-fitted dental appliance worn during sleep. It holds the lower jaw slightly forward, which tightens the soft tissues of the upper airway and reduces the tendency for it to collapse. It is effective for snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnoea and is well tolerated by most patients.
Can nasal problems cause snoring?
Yes — nasal obstruction is one of the most common and most treatable contributors to snoring. When the nose is blocked, people breathe through the mouth during sleep, which significantly increases airway resistance and the likelihood of snoring. Treating rhinitis or correcting a deviated septum can make a meaningful difference.
Do I need a sleep study?
If there is any suspicion of obstructive sleep apnoea — based on symptoms or examination findings — a sleep study will be arranged. This is typically done at home using a portable device and is straightforward to complete. It provides the objective data needed to confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment.
Book a consultation for snoring or sleep apnoea
Ms Mushi sees patients with snoring and sleep-disordered breathing at Circle Cheshire Clinic, Northwich. Appointments are typically available within days.