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# Sleep apnoea - Whole blood and components

## Essential information

Obligatory

  Must not donate.

Discretionary

  If:

  - The donor's symptoms are well controlled with lifestyle change and/or treatment, and
  - The donor reports no daytime sleepiness (and there is no restriction on activities such as driving), and
  - No underlying cause for sleep apnoea has been identified which would preclude donation,

  accept.

## Supporting information

See if relevant
  - Central nervous system disease
  - Cerebrovascular disease and intracranial haemorrhage
  - Surgery
  - Weight
Additional information

  Sleep apnoea can lead to daytime sleepiness, difficulty in concentration and an increased risk of accidents. Not everyone with sleep apnoea will require treatment. Corrective measures that can improve symptoms include:

  - weight loss
  - the use of gum shield
  - smoking and alcohol reduction/cessation
  - sleep hygiene

  ​Surgery may be required for some individuals (e.g. tonsillectomy, uvuloplasty, mandibular surgery, nasal septum surgery).

  Some individuals may use continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP) ventilation devices while sleeping. These use a close-fitting mask to deliver pressurised air to the lungs through the respiratory cycle as treatment for sleep apnoea.

Reason for change:
  Link updated from 'Central Nervous System Disease' to 'Cerebrovascular Disease and Intracranial Haemorrhage' in the 'See if Relevant' section.
Version details:

  WB-DSG Edition 203 Release 73 (07 October 2024)

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