The answer

This may be more than simple snoring: the unusual slumber sounds, and the fact that Jack does not seem to be getting a restful night’s sleep indicate that he may have obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome (OSAHS). This is a disorder characterised by recurrent episodes of complete or partial obstructions of the upper airway during sleep, causing breathing to stop (apnoea) and/or decreased airflow (hypopnoea). Common symptoms, other than those already described by Katie, include breathing stopping and starting during the night, and headache upon waking, plus difficulty concentrating and mood swings the next day.

It is important that Jack seeks advice from his GP as OSAHS can be serious if left undiagnosed and unmanaged. While mild cases may not require any treatment, many patients benefit from continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, which involves delivering air at a higher pressure than usual through a mask at night to prevent the airways from collapsing. Evidence points towards CPAP improving daytime sleepiness, fatigue and quality of life, and there are also indications that it may lower blood pressure. The treatment is required long-term, unless there are other changes that cause the disease to ease, such as significant weight loss in a patient who is obese.

Lifestyle changes such as stopping smoking, reducing alcohol intake and switching to sleeping on his side rather than his back can also help. Jack should also consider whether he is able to perform skilled tasks like driving as he seems to be experiencing fatigue as a result of poor sleep quality.