Could you have OSA?

What to do if you think you might have OSA, or know some-one who has it

Do the Epworth Sleepiness Scale – this will not tell you if you have OSA, but, depending on your results, you may be advised to ask for further advice. Please take the test here.

Ask your partner if you snore very loudly, or seem to stop breathing while you are asleep. If you are the partner of some-one who snores loudly or appears to stop breathing, tell them.

Visit your GP – tell him or her about what happens when you are asleep and awake:

• When asleep - tell your GP if you snore loudly, stop breathing or have episodes of difficulty breathing,
• When awake - mention all your daytime symptoms, such as daytime sleepiness, headaches, poor concentration, depression
• If you have done the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, you could take a copy with you

If you are very concerned, you can ask for a referral to a sleep clinic. If referred, you will have some tests to see if you do indeed have OSA. These can include a sleep study, which can happen either in your home or in a sleep laboratory.

Take the Epworth test here

Helpline

For advice about whether you could have OSA, please contact the BLF Helpline on 08458 50 50 20 (Mon to Fri 10 am to 6 pm), calls charged at your local rate.