Signs your sleep may need attention
We often blame poor sleep on stress, screens or late nights. And often, they are the culprits.
But sometimes it’s worth looking a little closer at your sleep to rule out any physical conditions, such as sleep apnoea.
Sleep apnoea is a common condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, often without you realising. It leads to fragmented, low-quality rest, even if you think you’ve slept through the night.
If you have some of these signs, don’t panic — it doesn’t automatically mean you have sleep apnoea. Just that it could be worth seeing your doctor for more information and to see whether it could be worth running some tests.
Loud or persistent snoring
Pay particular attention if it’s irregular, or paired with gasping or choking sounds. You may want to record yourself sleeping, or ask your partner to stay awake to listen.
Waking up unrefreshed
If you’ve had enough hours of sleep, but still feel exhausted, it’s worth seeing a doctor.
Morning headaches
A sore head early in the morning could be a sign of disrupted breathing overnight. Other physical signs of sleep apnoea in the morning include a dry mouth or a sore throat.
Excessive daytime sleepiness
Another sign is struggling to stay awake during the day, especially if you think you’ve had enough sleep.
If these signs sound familiar, it’s worth investigating. Sleep apnoea is treatable, but it requires proper diagnosis through a sleep study or a conversation with a healthcare professional.