Snoring is often dismissed as a nuisance, but loud, habitual snoring with pauses in breathing, unrefreshing sleep and daytime sleepiness can indicate obstructive sleep apnoea. Over time, untreated sleep apnoea strains the heart and blood pressure and affects concentration and mood. The blockage can sit in the nose, the tonsils, the soft palate or the tongue base, and finding where it sits decides the treatment.

Assessment includes a sleep history, examination of the nose and throat and, where needed, a sleep study. Weight management, positional changes and breathing support devices are discussed first, and surgery is considered where a correctable obstruction is found. Surgical results depend on the site of blockage, and snoring may return if weight gain follows.

Apex provides the following sleep-related services:

• Nasal Airway Surgery: Apex performs septoplasty, turbinate reduction and sinus surgery to relieve nasal obstruction.
• Tonsil and Adenoid Removal: Apex performs tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy where enlarged tissue narrows the airway.
• Sleep Evaluation and Counselling: Apex offers expert consultation for snoring and sleep-disordered breathing.
• Airway Procedures: Apex performs tracheotomy for severe airway obstruction.