People across Cumbria are set to receive key advice on how to treat a sleep condition – which is more common that many believe.

To mark World Sleep Day, on March 19, North North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust (NCIC) is hosting a virtual event to offer vital tips on how treat sleep apnoea.

The condition refers to when a person's breathing stops and starts while they sleep, and it can cause disrupted nights for both the sufferer and those sleeping near them.

Nicola Exton, sleep apnoea specialist nurse at NCIC, will host the event, discussing what causes the condition and how it can be treated.

Symptoms of sleep apnoea include daytime drowsiness, loud snoring and restless sleep.

Ms Exton explained that the condition is more common than many expect, and said: "There are currently 1.5 million adults diagnosed with sleep apnoea in the UK, but research shows that between 80 to 85 per cent of people with this condition are undiagnosed.”

The event, which will begin at 11am, will take place on World Sleep Day – a day on which the World Sleep Society aims to highlight the importance of good sleeping habits.

Amy Davidson, Health and Wellbeing coordinator at NCIC, said: “We spend a third of our lives asleep – yet for most of us, it falls into that strange category of things we do every day but know very little about.”

Benefits of regular sleep include improved mental wellbeing, stronger concentration and positive moods.

The World Sleep Society has issued 10 steps to achieve a healthy sleep, which include choosing a set bedtime and wake-up time; do not nap for more than 45 minutes during the day; avoid drinking excessive amounts of alcohol four hours before bed, and don't smoke; and avoid caffeine six hours before bedtime.

Other advice includes avoiding heavy, spicy or sugary food four hours before bed; exercise regularly; use comfortable bedding; find a comfortable temperate setting for sleep; block out distracting noise and light; and reserve the bed for sleep – do not use the bedroom as an office or workspace.

Further advice can be found at www.worldsleepday.org.

Ahead of NCIC's event, questions about sleep apnoea can be submitted to NCIC at communications.helpdesk@ncic.nhs.uk.

For more details on the event, visit the NCIC website, at www.ncic.nhs.uk/news/trust-marks-world-sleep-day-live-event.