Want some advice on snoring? Come along to Yeovil Hospital’s sleep apnoea event (Sat 7 Mar)

We are inviting local people to a community sleep apnoea awareness open event at Yeovil Hospital.

The event takes place on Saturday 7 March, running from 11am to 3pm, at the Yeovil Academy on Level 4 of the hospital’s main building.

It’s free to attend, with no booking required, and aims to help people better understand sleep apnoea, how it is treated, and the support available for those living with the condition.

Visitors will be able to meet members of our sleep service team, and speak directly with representatives from the companies that supply the hospital’s CPAP machines.

The exhibitors will demonstrate the different types of equipment and masks available, offering practical advice for anyone who snores, struggles with daytime tiredness or believes they may have undiagnosed sleep apnoea.

Alongside this, there will be a range of information stands covering the symptoms of sleep apnoea, how it is diagnosed, and the ways treatment can improve health and quality of life.

The open event will also feature expert talks, including a session on insomnia run by GP Dr Jonathan Tham, and a dedicated presentation on sleep apnoea from Dr Phil Raines, one of our consultants in respiratory medicine.

Two national charities, Hope2Sleep and the Sleep Apnoea Trust Association (SATA), will be present throughout the day to offer additional guidance, including important information about how untreated sleep apnoea can affect driving and what support is available for those who may be impacted.

Francesca Holbrook, clinical nurse specialist lead for our sleep apnoea team, says the event is an important opportunity for people to recognise symptoms they may have overlooked.

“Many people live with sleep apnoea for years without realising it,” she says. “They may simply feel constantly tired, struggle to concentrate, or assume that snoring is nothing to worry about.

“Events like this help people understand what sleep apnoea really is, how common it can be, and how much better people often feel once they begin treatment.

“We’re delighted to bring together clinicians, equipment providers, and national charities all in one place.

“Whether someone already has a diagnosis, thinks they might have sleep apnoea, or simply wants to learn more on behalf of a partner or family member, we’d really encourage them to come along, have a chat with us and find out what help is available.”

Anyone seeking more information ahead of the event can contact the sleep apnoea team on: sleepclinic@SomersetFT.nhs.uk.