Obstructive sleep apnoea
Snoring, breathing pauses and daytime sleepiness

In obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), the throat narrows or closes again and again during sleep, briefly stopping breathing. It disturbs sleep, lowers oxygen levels and raises the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and road accidents. The pulmonary and sleep medicine team at Charak Hospital diagnoses OSA with a sleep study and treats it.

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About sleep apnoea

What is obstructive sleep apnoea?

During sleep the muscles of the throat relax. In OSA, the airway becomes blocked, breathing stops for 10 seconds or more, oxygen falls and the brain wakes briefly to restart breathing. This can happen dozens of times an hour without the person knowing.

  • Loud snoring is common, but not everyone who snores has OSA
  • Excess weight, a thick neck, large tonsils and a small jaw raise the risk
  • More common in men and after menopause in women
  • Untreated OSA strains the heart and blood vessels
  • Effective treatment improves sleep, energy and blood pressure

Sleep study

Confirms OSA and its severity.

CPAP

A mask and gentle air pressure keep the airway open.

Weight loss

Can reduce or resolve OSA in many people.

Surgery for some

ENT or bariatric surgery in selected patients.

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Symptoms

Signs of sleep apnoea

A bed partner often notices the first signs.

Loud snoring

Often every night.

Breathing pauses

Stopping breathing, then gasping or choking.

Unrefreshing sleep

Tired despite a full night in bed.

Daytime sleepiness

Dozing while reading, watching TV or driving.

Morning headaches

And a dry mouth on waking.

Night-time urination

Getting up often at night.

Poor concentration

Irritability and forgetfulness.

High blood pressure

Especially if hard to control.

Feeling sleepy while driving? Stop driving and get assessed. Untreated sleep apnoea is a common cause of road accidents. Call 0522-666-4444.

Diagnosis

How sleep apnoea is diagnosed

A sleep study is the key test.

Consultation

Symptoms, sleepiness score, neck size and examination of the nose and throat.

Sleep study

Records breathing, oxygen, heart rate and sleep overnight.

AHI

The number of breathing pauses per hour decides severity.

Other tests

Blood tests, thyroid tests and heart checks if needed.

ENT review

For large tonsils, nasal blockage or jaw problems.

Treatment

Treatment options

Treatment depends on severity and the cause.

CPAP therapy

A small machine blows air through a mask to keep the throat open during sleep. It is the most widely used treatment for moderate and severe OSA.

Mask fitting and pressure settingUsed every nightRegular follow-up

Getting used to it

  • Most people adjust within a few weeks
  • Mask comfort can be improved
  • Humidifier helps dryness

Benefits

  • Better sleep and energy
  • Less snoring
  • Better blood pressure control in many people
Everyday care

Living with sleep apnoea

General guidance — always follow the advice your own doctor gives you.

Use CPAP every night

Benefits depend on regular use, including naps.

Driving

Do not drive when sleepy. Discuss driving with your doctor.

Before surgery

Tell your surgeon and anaesthetist that you have sleep apnoea and bring your CPAP machine.

Contact us urgently if

  • Falling asleep while driving
  • Chest pain or a racing heartbeat at night
  • Severe breathlessness or blue lips
0522-666-4444
Myths & facts

Myths about snoring and sleep apnoea

Tap a card to see the fact.

Myth

“Snoring is harmless.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Loud snoring with pauses can be a sign of sleep apnoea, which affects the heart and brain.

Myth

“Only overweight people get sleep apnoea.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Weight is a major factor, but thin people can also have OSA.

Myth

“Sleeping pills will help.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Sedatives can worsen sleep apnoea.

Your sleep team

Pulmonary, sleep and ENT team

Dr. Zeeshan Ahmad, ENT Surgeon, Charak Hospital Lucknow
ENT Surgeon

Dr. Zeeshan Ahmad

MBBS, MS (ENT), DNB (Otorhinolaryngology)

Ear, nose, sinus and throat problems, endoscopic sinus surgery, ear surgery and voice problems. OPD: Monday to Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm.

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Practical help

What to bring, costs & insurance

A little preparation helps us help you faster.

What to bring to your visit

Tick off as you pack:

  • A list of medicines
  • Previous sleep study reports
  • Your bed partner, if possible, to describe your snoring
  • Insurance card

Costs & insurance

Costs depend on the tests and treatment you need and the length of any hospital stay. Ask our team for a written estimate.

  • ✓Written estimate— ask for one before planned procedures or admission.
  • ✓Health insurance & TPA— cashless treatment for admissions under tie-up insurers; outpatient visits depend on your policy.
  • ✓Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) accepted for eligible admissions.
  • ✓Corporate & PSU panels— ask whether your employer has a tie-up with Charak Hospital.

*Coverage depends on your policy and the treatment. Our insurance desk can check this for you.

Call 0522-666-4444
FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Is a sleep study uncomfortable?

Sensors are placed on the face, chest and finger. It does not hurt, and most people sleep reasonably well.

Will I need CPAP for life?

Usually yes, unless the cause, such as weight or large tonsils, is treated.

Can sleep apnoea affect the heart?

Yes. Untreated OSA is linked with high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, heart failure and stroke.

Do children get sleep apnoea?

Yes, often due to large tonsils and adenoids. Snoring with pauses in a child should be checked.

Glossary

Words you may hear

OSAObstructive sleep apnoea.
AHIApnoea-hypopnoea index: breathing pauses per hour of sleep.
CPAPContinuous positive airway pressure.
PolysomnographyA detailed overnight sleep study.

No matching term. Please ask your doctor at your next visit.

Related pages

Related departments and guides

Pulmonary & sleep medicine ENT Bariatric surgery Heart attack Health library

Snoring or always tired?

Book a sleep medicine consultation. Call 0522-666-4444.

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Medical information disclaimer: This page provides general health information for patients and families. It is not a substitute for a consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a qualified doctor. Treatment decisions depend on each patient's individual condition. In an emergency, call 0522-666-4444 or go to the nearest emergency department.

About this page: Prepared by the Charak Hospital web team with the help of AI writing tools, using information from the Institute of Pulmonary & Sleep Medicine, Charak Hospital & Research Centre ·  Last updated: October 2026

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