Episodes of apnoea during sleep caused by collapse/obstruction of the pharyngeal airways, terminated by partial waking resulting in fragmented sleep

Most commonly seen in overweight, middle-aged men and is made worse by alcohol. Upper airways abnormalities e.g. large tonsils, can sometimes be the causes.

Daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, disturbed sleep, decreased libido, partners will report snoring and apnoea

Epworth Sleep Scale is a questionnaire designed to measure daytime sleepiness. Overnight pulse oximetry will show frequent desaturations which resolve on waking. Sleep studies may be needed if overnight oximetry not diagnostic. 

Reduce weight and avoid alcohol, continuous positive airways pressure (CPAP) 

Dependent on development of vascular complications, can resolve if sufficient weight loss