Patient Voices

This blog brings together examples of patient feedback gathered over time from clinical practice. It reflects an ongoing, prospective record of how taking a holistic approach - particularly by considering breathing patterns across a full 24-hour period - can influence patient experience and outcomes. These reflections are shared to document learning, support transparency and contribute to a growing body of practical insight with the hope that such approaches may increasingly inform and shape standard NHS practice in the future.

I am grateful to the patients who have given their permission for their experiences to be shared anonymously. Many have expressed a wish for their feedback to contribute to wider learning and help raise awareness of this approach.

Asthma

One day I hope everyone recognises the unconscious awake and asleep breathing pattern are linked as I have seen improved outcomes when we treat the 24-hour unconscious breathing pattern. In patients with asthma, they are more likely to have nasal symptoms as the inflammatory asthma process negatively impacts the lining of their nose and sinuses. If they haven't been taught the importance of nasal breathing with lips sealed (awake and asleep) and how to safely manage air hunger they revert to mouth breathing. Cold, dry air from mouth breathing triggers cough and wheeze in addition to promoting over breathing worsening the sensation of air hunger. This cycle can be changed by breathing re-education and compliment the medical treatment of asthma. NICE guidelines state there is a higher prevalence of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Hypopnoea Syndrome (OSAHS) in people with moderate or severe asthma. When I asked this patient 'do you mouth breathe, snore or stop breathing during sleep?' it changed how I managed her and this was the outcome:

'In the last 2 years, I have had over 9 hospital admissions for acute severe asthma exacerbation (plus 15-20 A+E admissions in resus) including a life-threatening acute asthma attack which resulted in being admitted into ICU which also impacted my mental health as I was unwell for many weeks.  During this time, I had been having problems with my sleeping (snoring, struggling to breathe whilst sleeping, coughing and gasping for air, waking up feeling exhausted) and unable to function properly during the day. Not only that, but somehow, I had developed a breathing pattern disorder and had forgotten how to breathe properly, and I was breathing through my mouth which was also affecting my sleep.  I also had a problem with nocturnal urination and not emptying property which I later found out is linked to sleep apnoea. I had many conversations with Dr Louise Oliver who referred me to the sleep clinic last year, they then diagnosed me (through tests) that I had obstruction sleep apnoea, and I was given a CPAP machine.  I have now been using CPAP 7 months and it has been a game changer, no longer waking up feeling shattered upon wakening, no brain fog, passing urine less during the night, etc. Having also attended Dr Louise Oliver breathing workshop, I have now learnt how to breathe through my nose again with practice, which has resulted in me sleeping so much better and not having a dry mouth when I wake up and hoarseness.  The past few years has indeed taken its toll and whilst I am still under respiratory consultant and physiotherapy, the hospital have started to see a difference in my health and the sleep clinic have commented that my results are now showing my sleep apnoea score is down to zero through my regular CPAP usage and the data is showing great results. Had it not been for Dr Louise Oliver, I would have still been struggling, and I am no longer sleep deprived during the daytime and my cognitive function has improved that I can now work part time.  Thank you so much Louise, you are amazing at what you do, and I cannot thank you enough for all you've done for me'

Chest and neck pain

Dear Sleep Clinic,

Please could you investigate this patient for obstructive sleep apnoea/ upper airways resistance syndrome who has unrefreshing sleep, unexplained excessive tiredness, nocturia and sleep fragmentation. Risk factors nasal congestion, hypertension, post menopause, persistent pain in neck.

Kind regards,

Dr Louise Oliver

Sleep study result

Apnoea Hypopnea Index = 50 (more info on sleep tests here)

Could contracting her neck and upper chest muscles 50 times an hour to open her airway whilst sleeping be causing her pain?

Patient voice

'I have been in severe pain in my neck and chest, after major surgery in March 2024. On the 3rd of September 2025 I was classified as having a severe degree of sleep apnoea. I have been on CPAP machine for 6 weeks, I am now pain free'

Chest pain and palpitations

Dear Sleep Clinic,

Please could you investigate this patient for obstructive sleep apnoea/ upper airways resistance syndrome as she 'snores like a pig' since her pregnancy. She is getting episodes of breathlessness, palpitations and ectopic beats. Seen cardiologist and told only ectopic beats however I suspect due to sympathetic overdrive whilst sleeping. Risk factors asthma and BMI 42. I have given her advice on re-establishing nasal breathing and improving her carbon dioxide tolerance in the meantime.

Kind regards,

Dr Louise Oliver

Patient voice

'After having tests for chest palpitations, I spoke with Dr Oliver and she asked "Do you snore" I replied like a pig but thought "she is off her rocker what does that have to do with it" She then went on to say I think you may have sleep apnoea. I thought from chest pain to having sleep apnoea. Anyway she was right! My chest pain and palpitations have stopped. Having a CPAP machine has actually changed my life. I struggled to start with until I found the right mask and right fit for me so after a bit of faffing about I now wouldn’t be without it. I no longer wake up tried and groggy. I wake up feeling refreshed like I have actually had a good night sleep and more energy! If for any reason I don’t use it I can definitely tell the morning after'

Chronic fatigue

Dear Sleep Clinic,

Please could you investigate this patient for sleep disordered breathing. Risk factors are chronic fatigue syndrome, large neck size, raised BMI, pre-diabetes, perimenopausal and taking opiates for persistent pain. The patient does not feel she has sleep disordered breathing however managing her symptoms and conditions is complex and if she has untreated,  undiagnosed sleep disordered breathing it will hamper her progress. Thank you.

Kind regards,

Dr Louise Oliver

Patient voice

'I was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome 10 years ago. I’ve been bed or house bound, needing a wheelchair with severe post exertional malaise and my brain scrambled. My physical & mental health has declined; my world become small and affected my family and friends too. I thought it was my fault that I couldn’t get better, that I hadn’t tried hard enough or that I must be doing pacing wrong. Doctor Oliver described solving fatigue as a jig-saw puzzle and suggested a sleep study. I was reluctant at first. I was very surprised to be diagnosed with sleep apnoea and after just one night on the CPAP machine I woke up feeling alert, refreshed and energised. Mind truly blown! I’m continuing to improve, and I’m now completely  pain free (mind blown again!). I’ve come off all opiate based medication and I’m  working my way off the rest. I hope to be on just HRT only soon. I was also at serious risk of losing my job however I’ve now been able to plan an extended phased return. Doctor Oliver has truly changed my life. Thank you SO much'

Medically unexplained symptoms

Patient voice

'Having had several years of suffering a variety of symptoms (pins & needles all limbs and left side of face, weight loss, gut issues) that basically was making my life pretty miserable, and having had many  doctor/hospital appointments for a wide selection of tests with no diagnosis made I had given up hope and started to put up with the situation thinking there was no help available. When it got to a stage where I was only getting 3 hours sleep a night I was exhausted and could not carry on, I decided to go back to the doctors. Thankfully I saw Dr Oliver who suggested it may help me if I took part in a breathing exercise seminar as the problems I was having could be connected by me not breathing correctly. Initially I thought how bizarre what a strange thing to suggest but was so desperate I was happy to try anything so accepted her offer of a free place. Well what can I say, by doing the seminar it became very apparent that I definitely had a problem with my breathing (my comfortable breath hold time was only 3.5 seconds*) even though I didn't feel breathless. I followed the exercises given which were easy to do and within a very short time my symptoms started to ease and eventually ceased, I was having between 6 and 8 hours quality sleep a night, that in itself was fantastic. I cannot thank Dr Oliver enough for her recommendations'

*click to assess your comfortable breath hold time and breathing efficiency

Gout

In a patient presenting with gout I discussed the impact of food and drinks on uric acid levels and gout attacks. I suggested listening to Dr Chatterjee's conversation with Dr David Perlmutter for further information. One year later............

Patient voice

'I would like to let Dr Louise Oliver know that since my last visit I have been in great health. No more foot or joint pain. I am still too heavy, but cutting out fructose has really made a massive difference. I wanted Dr Oliver to know how much it has improved my life. I can walk with ease and do my work without pain. Thank you so much'

Improved urine symptoms

Patient voice

'You kindly sent a podcast, information, and recommended a book. This information knocked my socks off! In a matter of days, you have changed my life for good. I have been a lifelong mouth breather. When I left your surgery, I was determined to change to nasal. I always go to the loo three times each night and I have a disturbed night as a result. Since changing to nasal I haven’t been to the loo at night and slept right through until morning. When I go walking I have to plan ahead for a loo en-route. Mouth shut – I don’t need a loo! I have panicked a few times but remembered your advice on carbon dioxide and chemoreceptors and battled on – brilliant! My sense of smell is returning after years of not being able to smell. Thank you so very, very much'

Weight loss

Patient voice

'I don't know if you'll remember me. I came to you for advice on how to lose weight about one and a half years ago. You told me about the low carb diet and introduced me to Freshwell. I'm so glad you did.

I followed the lifestyle changes and I've lost almost two stone now. I am now at a weight I am comfortable with, so I'm not as strict as when I started, but I still follow the same principles.

I'd like to thank you as you've helped me to change my life for the better. I also now regularly attend the leisure centre where I take part in eight exercise classes a week, as well as some strength training. This has also thoroughly changed my life for the better. It's not only helped my weight management, but also my state of mind and my perimenopausal symptoms'