What are the risk factors for obstructive sleep apnoea?

During sleep, the soft tissues at the back of the throat can relax and narrow the airflow passage. Extra tissue around the neck, a naturally crowded throat, or changes with age can make this narrowing more pronounced. Obesity is a particularly relevant risk factor, but people without obesity can also develop the condition. Allergic rhinitis may keep the nose blocked, encouraging mouth breathing and making night-time airflow harder. Alcohol or sedating medicines near bedtime can further relax throat muscles. Loud snoring, witnessed pauses in breathing, gasping, morning headaches and daytime sleepiness deserve attention, regardless of body size.

Keep a note of snoring, breathing pauses, restless sleep and tiredness during the day. If someone shares your bedroom, ask whether they have noticed pauses or choking sounds. A clinician can review weight, nasal symptoms, medicines and other health conditions, then decide whether a sleep assessment is appropriate. Treating nasal inflammation, avoiding alcohol close to bedtime and following an individually suitable weight-management plan may help reduce contributors, but they do not replace assessment when symptoms persist.

Arrange a routine appointment if you regularly snore loudly, wake choking, have witnessed breathing pauses, or feel unusually sleepy while driving or working. Seek urgent help for severe breathlessness while awake, blue or grey lips, chest pain, confusion, or difficulty staying awake. Do not drive if sleepiness could make driving unsafe.

Could my nasal blockage or body weight be contributing to night-time breathing? What symptoms should my partner record? Would a home or clinic sleep assessment suit me? Could any medicine or evening alcohol be worsening the problem?