Sleep-disordered breathing is significantly underdiagnosed particularly in patients who do not identify snoring as their primary complaint, but instead present with unexplained fatigue, morning headaches, poor concentration or low mood. Dr Sundeep Kaul provides comprehensive assessment and personalised management for obstructive sleep apnoea and other respiratory sleep disorders, from initial evaluation and home sleep testing through to CPAP initiation and long-term follow-up all without the lengthy waiting times associated with NHS referral pathways.
What Is Sleep Apnoea?
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a condition in which the upper airway repeatedly collapses during sleep, causing breathing to stop and restart. These episodes which may occur dozens or hundreds of times per night prevent restorative sleep and place significant strain on the cardiovascular system. OSA is strongly associated with hypertension, atrial fibrillation, type 2 diabetes and increased cardiovascular risk. Despite this, many patients remain undiagnosed for years, attributing their symptoms to poor sleep habits, stress or ageing. Accurate diagnosis and timely treatment can be transformative for both quality of life and long-term health outcomes.
Symptoms May Include
- Loud snoring
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty concentrating
- Mood changes or irritability
- Unrefreshing sleep
- Waking with a dry mouth or sore throat
- Frequent night-time urination
- Reduced libido
Diagnostic Assessment
Your consultation may include:
- Sleep history questionnaire and Epworth Sleepiness Scale
- Clinical examination of the upper airway and neck
- Home sleep study (portable polysomnography)
- Assessment of cardiovascular risk factors
- Overnight oximetry where appropriate
- Spirometry and lung function assessment
- BMI and lifestyle review
- Referral for in-laboratory sleep study if clinically indicated
Treatment Approach
Treatment plans are personalised based on the underlying cause and severity and may include:
- CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy
- CPAP titration and ongoing optimisation
- Lifestyle modification advice (weight management, sleep position, alcohol reduction)
- Mandibular advancement device referral
- Positional therapy where appropriate
- Treatment of nasal obstruction contributing to OSA
- Cardiovascular risk management
- Regular follow-up and monitoring of treatment response
Why Early Assessment Matters
Untreated sleep apnoea significantly increases the risk of hypertension, heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. Early treatment improves sleep quality, daytime function and long-term cardiovascular health and for many patients, the improvement in daily energy and concentration is felt within the first weeks of therapy.
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