Test for sleep apnea

[Isthisit2025]

My partner snores terribly. Loud, gasping etc. To me it’s classic symptoms of SA. Had a telephone appointment with the GP and has been asked to do a three week ‘diet’ study and no eating/drinking at least three hours before bed. Is this a normal initial assessment for SA? I’ve never heard of this approach at all considering all the things my partner told the GP.

I’m curious as to what others think/know?

My DH was just referred straight to the specialist sleep clinic after completing a questionnaire with the GP.
He was given a device to wear at home that recorded his breathing and sleep. He was diagnosed with severe obstructive sleep apnoea. He’s had his CPAP machine for a year now and it’s been life changing.
Haven’t heard of the approach you’ve described.

@24Dogcuddler I’ve not heard of this approach either, that’s why I thought I’d get other opinions, as when I googled it it came up with exactly the process that you describe.

I recorded my DH not breathing for 17 seconds and then restarting with a huge snort. GP heard that and referred him straight to the sleep clinic. He had a score of 47 (30 is severe sleep apnea) and now has a CPAP.

Sleep clinic which ended with CPAP machine.

I was referred to sleep clinic - score came back at 75

I saw an ENT for possible sleep apnea and was told one of the non- apnea things that can cause my symptoms (waking up gasping) is silent reflux, where acid rising in your throat causes a reflexive gasp mechanism. The doctor mentioned eating/ drinking late at night can exacerbate this, so I assume they're trying to exclude this before sending him off for a sleep study.

Anyway, turns out it wasn't this for me, and it was my airway being obstructed after all

@Rosecat22 Ok that makes sense then. I think my DP did not give the information quite as explicit as I had told him to!

thank you everyone for your comments. It is really helpful

Just to point out that if you are prescribed a sleep apnea machine and don’t use it, you are not supposed to drive.

@Rocknrollstar I did not know that!

If your DH is diagnosed with sleep apnea, be aware that its a DVLA notifiable condition.
When my DH told DVLA they wrote to his consultant for clearance.
To answer your question though, he went straight to a sleep clinic after GP appointment.

Mine was just sent to the sleep clinic and had to wear wires overnight and hand the gizmo in. Then he got his CPAP.

He's daft if he's lied to the GP. It's heart attack territory not getting it seen too.