MQ Health Respiratory and Sleep Clinic
- Suite 306, Level 3
- 2 Technology Place
- Macquarie University NSW 2109
- T: + 61 (2) 9812 3709
- E: reception@mqrs.com.au
Specialist services (sleep service)
World-class, multidisciplinary care and services
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Patient storiesAround 5% of Australians suffer from sleep apnoea
Sleep apnoea is a common sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts. It is estimated around one in four men over the age of 30 are affected.
Symptoms
Symptoms associated with sleep apnoea include:
- snoring
- waking up unrefreshed
- sleepiness and tiredness during the day
- irritability and mood changes.
When to see your doctor
If you have any of these symptoms, you should contact your doctor.
Causes
The causes of sleep apnoea are usually multifactorial. While obesity is on the most common causes of sleep apnoea, other contributing factors include:
- nasal congestion and obstruction
- certain illnesses, such as reduced thyroid production
- family history.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of sleep apnoea requires a sleep study and interpretation of the test by a sleep physician.
If you have obstructive sleep apnoea, your doctor might refer you to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor to rule out blockage in nose or throat.
Treatment
Multiple options are now available to manage sleep apnoea, but there is no cure.
All treatments focus on keeping the upper airway open during sleep. They range from positive pressure machines (CPAP) to mouth splints or positional therapy.
Risk factors
Factors that increase the risk of sleep apnoea include:
- excess weight
- neck circumference
- age and family history
- smoking
- nasal congestion.
Sleep apnoea can be prevented by following a regular pattern of sleep, keeping an active and healthy lifestyle and by focusing on maintaining a healthy weight.
