Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) can be common in people with a learning disability, in particular people with Down syndrome.

Untreated OSA can impact on mental health as well as causing significant risks to physical health. OSA can be life-threatening if the risks of non-compliance with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment are not understood by individuals and their carers.

Assessment and treatment for OSA should be prioritised for people with a learning disability and autistic people, who often face health inequalities and the risk of premature mortality.

These resources have been made in easy read to help people with a learning disability understand:

• the importance of using CPAP as prescribed
• the importance of telling the hospital sleep service promptly if there are any issues
• how to use and maintain CPAP equipment.

We have also published resources for carers and healthcare professionals.

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X (formally Twitter) NHS England uses X, a free messaging service offered by a third party, as one tool in its efforts to communicate clearly, quickly and in an engaging manner to people interested in our work. You can follow us @NHSEngland Twitter content delivered by NHS England includes (but is not limited to): links to […]