What's Up Docs? Doctors' Notes: Snoring
May 5, 2026
Dr Sophie West, consultant respiratory physician who leads Newcastle’s regional sleep service, discusses snoring and sleep-disordered breathing. She explains why airway collapse causes apnoeas and fragmented sleep. The conversation covers screening tools, home testing, CPAP mechanics and adaptation, alternative treatments, driving and safety implications, and the wider health and social impacts of snoring.
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Why Obstructive Sleep Apnea Wrecks Rest
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) happens when floppy throat muscles fully block the pharynx during sleep, causing visible struggling breathing and brief arousals.
- These tiny wakes fragment sleep so people never reach restorative deep stages, leaving them daytime exhausted despite not remembering awakenings.
Screen For Sleep Apnea With STOP-BANG
- Use screening tools: the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and STOP-BANG help GPs identify those needing referral for sleep studies.
- STOP-BANG asks about Snoring, Tiredness, Observed apneas, Pressure (BP), BMI, Age, Neck size and Gender to stratify risk.
Get A Home Sleep Study If GP Suspects OSA
- If GPs suspect OSA they typically arrange a home overnight sleep study that records snoring, breathing events and pulse to give an apnoea-per-hour diagnostic number.
- Refer to a sleep clinic when STOP-BANG or symptoms indicate moderate/high risk or dangerous daytime sleepiness (e.g., driving).