Sleep apnoea: Three warning signs when you're awake you could have the condition

The most common signs of sleep apnoea are snoring and interrupted breathing while sleeping. Of course, these factors can occur without your awareness. Thus, it may be helpful to identify signs of the condition while you’re awake.

The British Lung Foundation (BLF) confirmed that “waking up sleepy and unrefreshed” is one signs of sleep apnoea.

Another sign is a “headache in the morning” and “loss of sex drive”, but these aren’t the only telling signs of the condition.

According to the BLF, “difficulty concentrating and feeling groggy, dull and less alert” is also a sign.

It may be worthwhile asking a partner, close family member or friend to note any of the following signs while you’re sleeping.

These include tossing and turning, sudden jerky body movements, snoring and if you seem to be struggling to breathe.

You may vaguely be aware of a “choking” feeling, and you may need to go toilet in the middle of the night.

If you share your concerns with your GP they may refer to you a sleep specialist clinic.

If you’re overweight the first thing you can do to tackle the condition is to lose weight.

The NHS stated that treatments for the condition include a CPAP machine, which gently pumps air into a mask you wear overnight.

Other options include a mandibular advancement device – a gum shield-like component.

Surgery may be considered if you have especially large tonsils that are contributing to the condition.