Sleep apnea test
Here you can do a self-test to see if you have symptoms of sleep apnoea that may need to be investigated.
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What is sleep apnoea?
Sleep apnoea is a sleep disorder characterised by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. These pauses can last from a few seconds to a minute and can occur several times per hour. They can lead to oxygen deprivation of the body, which can interfere with the quality of sleep and lead to daytime fatigue.
There are two main types of sleep apnoea:
- Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) – The most common type, where the airways are blocked by relaxed throat muscles.
- Central sleep apnoea (CSA) – A more uncommon form, which can occur for example in heart failure and after a stroke.
Common symptoms of sleep apnoea include:
- Loud snoring
- Breathing pauses during sleep (often observed by a partner)
- Sudden awakenings with a feeling of choking or breathlessness
- Extreme daytime tiredness, even after a full night’s sleep
- Headaches in the morning
- Difficulty concentrating and memory problems
- Irritability and mood swings
- Decreased sex drive
Sleep apnoea can lead to serious health problems if left untreated, such as high blood pressure, heart problems, diabetes and increased risk of stroke. Identifying symptoms early can help get the right treatment and improve sleep quality.
This test can give you an indication of whether you have symptoms of sleep apnoea. However, it is not a substitute for a medical diagnosis.
What should I do if I have symptoms of sleep apnoea?
If you score high on the test, it may be a good idea to contact a doctor at your health centre for further investigation. You can get a referral to a clinic that can do a sleep apnoea assessment if needed, for example to a sleep laboratory, a pulmonary clinic or an ear, nose and throat clinic.
