I dreaded bedtime before new sleep apnoea treatment

A significant story is unfolding on the international scene. 'I dreaded bedtime before new sleep apnoea treatment'Image caption, Catherine Turnbull was diagnosed with sleep apnoea five years agoByGeorgia EadieWest of EnglandPublished15 July 2026, 06:52 BSTA woman who used to "dread bedtime" says being one of the first UK patients to be offered a new treatment has been life-changing for her sleeping condition. Catherine Turnbull, from Chippenham, was diagnosed five years ago with sleep apnoea, a common but serious disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts. She has now been fitted with a hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HGNS) device, which moves her tongue while she sleeps, after Swindon's Great Western Hospital (GWH) became one of five trusts to offer the treatment.

Turnbull said the treatment had stopped her waking during the night and suffering from headaches, adding: "It is amazing because it changes your life. "More from WiltshireAlternative venues to watch World Cup: bowling lanes, cafes and a beach Published10 hours agoMan 'executed' love rival with sword, court told Published21 hours agoWhen will it rain next in the West Country? Published1 day ago Figure caption, New treatment transforms Wiltshire woman’s sleepShe said: "My life's just started again.

The Details

I can't wait to get to bed to go to sleep now. "Wearing a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine has traditionally been the only treatment option, something Turnbull tried but failed to "get on with". She said: "I would wake up in the night trying to rip it off my face.

I've tried every single mask going, but no, it's awful. "Image caption, The new device is implanted into the patients chest and controlled by a small remoteAccording to the NHS,, external the condition sees people's breathing stop and start while they sleep. Other symptoms include waking up a lot, loud snoring and gasping, snorting or choking.

Those who have the condition can often feel very tired, find it hard to concentrate and suffer from mood swings. Having read about HGNS, the implanted treatment for patients who cannot tolerate CPAP, Turnbull said she was "extremely grateful" to have been chosen as one of the first patients to have the device fitted. The treatment has mainly been rolled out in Europe and United States, with about 125,000 people worldwide having the surgery.

What Experts Say

It involves an operation where a generator is implanted into the patients chest. A lead then goes up to the nerve that pushes the tongue forward so that every time they breathe, the airway is opened by the tongue leaning forward. It is controlled by a small remote, that looks like a computer mouse, which the patient turns on each night when they go to bed.

Joseph Sinnott, an ear, nose and throat surgeon at GWH, said the first treatment was still CPAP but if patients were really struggling, then this was a good second option.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.