Sleep apnoea is a condition in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. The most common form is obstructive sleep apnoea, where the airway narrows or closes. It can disturb sleep without the person fully remembering that they woke.
Loud snoring is a familiar warning sign, but it is not the only one and not everyone who snores has sleep apnoea. Recognising a pattern of night-time and daytime symptoms can help you seek an appropriate medical assessment.
Common signs during sleep
A partner or family member may notice the first signs. The NHS lists breathing that stops and starts, gasping, snorting or choking noises, frequent waking and loud snoring among the main night-time symptoms.
- Loud, persistent snoring.
- Witnessed pauses in breathing.
- Gasping, choking or snorting during sleep.
- Restless sleep or repeated waking.
- Waking with a dry mouth or morning headache.
- Needing to pass urine several times during the night.
These signs do not confirm a diagnosis on their own. A sleep study is used to assess breathing and other measurements overnight, often at home after referral to a sleep service.
Daytime symptoms to notice
Repeated sleep disruption can cause excessive tiredness during the day. Some people struggle to concentrate, notice mood changes or wake with headaches. The symptoms may develop gradually, so they are sometimes mistaken for stress, poor routine or simply getting older.
Feeling sleepy while driving or operating machinery is particularly serious. If sleep apnoea with excessive sleepiness is confirmed, follow medical advice and the current DVLA rules. Do not drive if sleepiness makes it unsafe.
Is snoring the same as sleep apnoea?
No. Snoring is caused by tissues vibrating as air passes through a narrowed airway. It can occur without repeated breathing pauses. Sleep apnoea involves episodes in which breathing reduces or stops and needs medical assessment because untreated disease can affect wider health.
Snoring accompanied by witnessed pauses, gasping or persistent daytime sleepiness deserves particular attention. Recording what a partner observes can help when speaking with a GP.
Who is more likely to develop obstructive sleep apnoea?
The NHS identifies links with obesity, a larger neck, increasing age, family history, alcohol, smoking, enlarged tonsils or adenoids and sleeping on the back. However, sleep apnoea can affect people of different ages and body types.
Risk factors are not a diagnosis. A person without obvious risk factors may still need investigation if the symptoms are present.
When should you speak to a GP?
The NHS advises seeing a GP if breathing stops and starts during sleep, you make gasping or choking noises, or you are consistently very tired during the day. If someone else has observed the symptoms, taking them to the appointment or noting what they saw may be helpful.
A GP may refer you to a sleep clinic. Testing determines whether sleep apnoea is present and how severe it is. Treatment can include lifestyle changes, continuous positive airway pressure, other medical approaches and, in selected cases, an oral appliance.
How can a dentist be involved?
For some people with medically assessed mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea, or certain snoring problems, a custom oral appliance may be considered. It holds the lower jaw in a forward position to help keep the airway open. It is not suitable for every person or every severity level.
Montagu Dental’s sleep apnoea treatment service assesses the teeth, gums, jaw and bite for appliance suitability and provides ongoing adjustment. Dental care should sit within an appropriate medical diagnosis and management plan, not replace one.
Meet Dr Charlotte Leigh
Dr Charlotte Leigh is a general dental practitioner and sleep expert at Montagu Dental. Her published research has examined snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea in dentistry, and she can provide calm, tailored guidance on whether a custom oral appliance may be suitable after appropriate medical assessment.
What to do next
If you recognise the main symptoms, seek medical advice rather than trying to diagnose yourself. Once you have been assessed, you can contact Montagu Dental to discuss whether an oral appliance is relevant. A routine dental check-up also helps confirm that teeth and gums are healthy enough to support appliance use.
Frequently asked questions
Can you have sleep apnoea without snoring?
Yes. Snoring is common, but symptoms and patterns vary. Medical assessment and a sleep study are needed for diagnosis.
Can a dentist diagnose sleep apnoea?
A dentist may recognise risk signs and discuss dental options, but diagnosis usually requires medical assessment and sleep testing.
Will an oral appliance stop snoring?
It may reduce snoring in suitable people, but results vary and it should be fitted and monitored professionally.
Is CPAP the only treatment?
CPAP is common and important, especially for more severe disease. Other options may be considered according to diagnosis, severity and individual needs.
Discuss dentist-led support after assessment
If you have been medically assessed for snoring or sleep apnoea, book an assessment at Montagu Dental to discuss whether a custom oral appliance may suit your care plan.
