If you often wake up feeling exhausted, even after a full night’s sleep, or your partner constantly complains about your loud snoring, you might be experiencing more than just poor sleep. These could be signs of sleep apnea—a common but serious sleep disorder where your breathing repeatedly stops and starts at night.
One of the most noticeable signs of sleep apnea is loud snoring, but many people also suffer from daytime fatigue, difficulty concentrating, or frequent headaches without realising sleep apnea is the cause. Left untreated, this condition can lead to serious health issues like high blood pressure, heart disease, or even stroke.
That’s why it’s so important to speak to a medical professional—especially an ENT (ear, nose and throat) doctor, who can help assess the cause of your symptoms and guide you towards the right treatment.
If you’re a Health4Me Gold member, you can see an ENT specialist as part of your benefits. You’ll just need a referral from a GP within the Health4Me network to get started. With the right care, better sleep—and better health—could be just around the corner.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder caused by a partially or fully blocked airway during sleep. This blockage causes pauses in breathing that can last for 10 seconds or more—and, in some cases, hundreds of times a night.
When your breathing stops, your body is jolted awake briefly so you can start breathing again. You might not even realise it’s happening, but the result is poor-quality sleep that leaves you feeling tired and sluggish the next day, no matter how early you went to bed.
Over time, untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health problems. It puts extra strain on your heart and can increase your risk of:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Type 2 diabetes
- Depression
- Accidents caused by daytime fatigue, such as falling asleep while driving or at work
If you or a loved one snores loudly, wakes up gasping for air, or feels constantly tired despite a full night’s rest, it’s important to take these signs seriously. Speaking to a medical professional—like an ENT doctor—can help you get the diagnosis and care you need to protect your long-term health.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Look out for these warning signs, especially if they happen regularly:
- Loud, frequent snoring
- Gasping or choking during sleep
- Restless sleep or waking up often during the night
- Morning headaches
- Feeling sleepy during the day, even after a full night’s sleep
- Mood swings, irritability, depression, or trouble concentrating
- Lowered sex drive
If you’re experiencing a few of these symptoms—or someone close to you has noticed them—it may be time to speak to a GP for a referral to an ENT specialist. Early diagnosis can make a big difference to your energy levels and long-term health.
Causes and Risk Factors of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea can be caused by a combination of physical, lifestyle, and biological factors. Understanding what might be behind your symptoms can help guide the right treatment.
Physical Causes
- Narrow airways: A naturally small or blocked airway makes it harder to breathe while sleeping.
- Enlarged tonsils or adenoids: These can obstruct airflow, especially in children.
- Deviated septum: When the wall between your nostrils is uneven, it can restrict airflow and lead to snoring or breathing difficulties at night.
Lifestyle-Related Causes
- Obesity: Extra weight, especially around the neck, puts pressure on the airways during sleep.
- Alcohol use: Alcohol relaxes the muscles in the throat, making it more likely for airways to collapse.
- Sedatives: Certain medications can overly relax throat muscles, increasing the risk of blockage.
Other Contributing Factors
- Family history: Genetics can play a role—if close family members have sleep apnea, your chances are higher.
- Age: Sleep apnea becomes more common as you get older.
- Male gender: Men are 2 to 3 times more likely to have sleep apnea than are women.
Note on Children
In children, sleep apnea is often caused by large tonsils or adenoids. If your child snores loudly, sleeps restlessly, or shows signs of daytime tiredness, it’s important to speak to a GP for proper evaluation.
Early identification and care—like a referral to an ENT specialist—can improve sleep and quality of life for both adults and children.
When to See an ENT Doctor
An ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist plays an important role in diagnosing and treating sleep apnea—especially when the condition is caused by structural issues like blocked airways, enlarged tonsils, or a deviated septum. These are things a general doctor may not be able to fully assess.
You should consider seeing an ENT if you experience any of the following symptoms regularly:
- Loud, chronic snoring
- Gasping or choking during sleep
- Waking up often or feeling unrested
- Daytime fatigue or difficulty concentrating
- Morning headaches
- Mood swings or low energy
To diagnose sleep apnea, the ENT doctor may recommend a sleep study. This test monitors your breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and movements while you sleep—either at home or in a sleep clinic. Based on the results, your ENT can suggest the best treatment options.
If you’re a member of Health4Me Gold, you can access ENT consultations as part of your specialist benefit. All you need is a referral from a GP in the Health4Me network. Speak to your GP if you have any concerns about your sleep—they’ll guide you to the right specialist care.
How to Access ENT Specialists with Health4Me
Getting the right care is simple with Health4Me Gold, which includes specialist benefits like ENT (ear, nose and throat) consultations.
If you’re struggling with sleep issues such as loud snoring, restless nights, or fatigue during the day, here’s how you can access an ENT specialist through your plan:
Start by booking an appointment with a GP on the approved Health4Me GP Network. The doctor will assess your symptoms and determine whether a referral to a specialist is necessary.
- Get a Referral
If your GP suspects sleep apnea or another condition affecting your ears, nose, or throat, they’ll refer you to a trusted ENT specialist on the Health4Me network.
- See the ENT Specialist
Once referred, you can consult with the ENT to receive a diagnosis and explore treatment options tailored to your condition.
This process helps ensure you get expert care without unexpected costs, all while staying within the trusted Health4Me provider network. If you’re unsure where to begin, contact our team—we’re here to help.
Questions to Ask Your ENT Doctor
When it comes to your health, asking the right questions can make all the difference. If you’re seeing an ENT specialist for sleep apnea, it’s important to understand your condition and the treatment options available to you.
Here are some helpful questions to ask during your consultation:
- What type of sleep apnea do I have?
- Understanding whether you have obstructive, central, or mixed sleep apnea will help you make sense of your symptoms and treatment options.
- What treatment options are best for me?
- Your ENT may recommend options such as CPAP, an oral appliance, or even surgery, depending on your symptoms and test results.
- Do I need a sleep study? Can it be done at home?
- A sleep study is often needed to confirm the diagnosis. Ask your doctor if a home-based test is suitable or if you need to visit a sleep clinic.
- What lifestyle changes can support my treatment?
- From weight management to reducing alcohol use, small changes can make a big impact. Your ENT can guide you on what’s most effective.
Feeling informed empowers you to take control of your sleep health. Don’t be afraid to speak up or ask for explanations—your wellbeing matters most.
Why Early Action Matters
Sleep apnea isn’t just about snoring—it’s a serious medical condition that can affect your overall health and quality of life if left untreated. Ignoring the signs can lead to long-term complications such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and even accidents caused by constant fatigue.
The good news is that with the right care, sleep apnea can be managed. Getting proper treatment means you’ll sleep better, wake up feeling more refreshed, have more energy during the day, and reduce your risk of serious health problems. You’ll also improve your mood, focus, and overall wellbeing.
If you or someone in your family snores loudly, struggles with daytime sleepiness, or often wakes up gasping for air, it’s time to take action. Start by booking a visit with a Health4Me network GP, who can assess your symptoms and refer you to an ENT specialist if needed.
If you’re on the Health4Me Gold plan, your specialist visit is covered—you just need a referral from your GP. Don’t wait. A simple check-up could change your life for the better.
