Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
Sleep apnoea
Sleep apnoea causes abnormal breathing patterns during the night which can affect the quality of your sleep.
About sleep apnoea
There are two distinct types of sleep apnoea, Central Sleep Apnoea (CSA) and Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA). The difference between the two, is that CSA is caused by the brain not sending proper signals to the muscles that control your breathing during sleep whereas OSA is caused by the upper airways being obstructed. Obstructive sleep apnea is more common than central sleep apnea.
Obstructive sleep apnoea
OSA is a common sleep disorder in which your breathing temporarily pauses during sleep due to partial or full collapse of the upper airways. These pauses in breathing interrupt your sleep, leading to many awakenings each hour. Some people may be aware of these pauses and may awaken with a feeling of gasping or feeling unable to breathe. However most people with sleep apnoea don’t remember these awakenings, they might feel exhausted during the day, irritable and depressed, or see a decrease in productivity.
Symptoms of sleep apnoea include:
- Loud, chronic snoring
- Frequent pauses in breathing during sleep
- Gasping, snorting, or choking during sleep
- Feeling exhausted after waking and sleepy during the day, no matter how much time you spent in bed
- Waking up with shortness of breath, chest pains, headaches, nasal congestion, or a dry throat
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.