Published on: 13 March 2026
Catherine Dawkins, from Nuneaton, has been supported by George Eliot Hospital’s Sleep Team for the past seven years.
Catherine’s journey began in 2019 when she was admitted to hospital with sepsis. During her stay in intensive care, staff noticed that she was stopping breathing while asleep. Further assessment showed that she had sleep apnoea, a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep.
Since then, Catherine has been using a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine to help manage her condition.
“At first I absolutely hated it,” Catherine said. “But it makes such a huge difference to my life. Before treatment I was exhausted all the time. I could be sitting at work typing and feel myself getting incredibly tired.”
Although the equipment can take some getting used to, Catherine says she now wouldn’t be without it.
“I honestly couldn’t live without it now. Even if I go away for a night, I take it with me. If I don’t use it, I wake up with headaches and feel exhausted.”
Catherine praised the care and support she has received from the team at George Eliot Hospital.
Catherine hopes that sharing her experience will encourage others who may be struggling with symptoms to seek help.
“There are probably more people living with sleep apnoea than realise it. If you’re always tired or falling asleep during the day, get checked out. I would absolutely recommend it. The treatment really does change your life.”
Thank you to Catherine for sharing her story and helping raise awareness of sleep apnoea and the support available through our Sleep Team.