Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
Sleep apnoea is a common sleeping disorder where you stop breathing during sleep and have to wake up to resume breathing. Seems shocking, right? It’s also very common, with 5% of the Australian population having sleep apnoea, and a suspected 80% of those who have it don’t know it. Obstructive sleep apnoea, while serious, is very easily treated. Learn more about the red flags to look out for, and more importantly, the next steps.
"Snoring is one of those things you get told you do but don’t pay much attention to. The same thing can be said about tiredness, where you just assume it was not enough coffee. I mentioned it to my doctor and found treatment. Now I feel so much more alert, it’s great! Also, my family doesn’t need to put up with my snoring, so we are all having much better sleep."
- CPAP User
What is obstructive sleep apnoea?
Sleep apnoea is a common disorder that causes breathing to stop whilst asleep. The most common type is obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), where the airway closes, causing snoring and breathing to stop.
What to look out for?
Because sleep apnoea disrupts healthy sleep, it is highly symptomatic. However, identifying the cause of daytime fatigue can be challenging. Here are some common symptoms of untreated OSA:
→ Snoring
→ Poor sleep quality
→ Waking gasping for air
→ Morning headaches
→ Difficulty concentrating
→ Dozing off while driving
→ Falling asleep during work
→ Frequent nighttime urination
→ Difficulty falling or staying asleep
→ Difficulty losing weight
Effects of obstructive sleep apnoea on your body
Individuals with the following conditions are at higher risk for OSA:
→ Heart disease
→ Type 2 diabetes
→ Heart attack
→ Depression
→ Asthma
→ Gout
→ Anxiety disorder
→ Obesity
Hidden Dangers: The Serious Health Consequences of Untreated Sleep Apnoea
Leaving sleep apnoea untreated can lead to serious health problems, including:
→ Severe tiredness
→ Difficulty staying awake while driving
→ Depressive symptoms
→ Morning headaches
→ Sore throat upon waking
→ Increased risk of strokes, heart attacks, high blood pressure, and insulin resistance
→ Irritability
→ Delayed reaction time
→ Low sex drive
→ Impotence
→ Anxiety disorder
→ Decreased testosterone
What's Next?
Check your risk of sleep apnoea with this quiz:
| Question | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|
| Do you snore loudly (louder than talking or can be heard through closed doors)? | ☐ | ☐ |
| Do you often feel tired, fatigued, or sleepy during the daytime? | ☐ | ☐ |
| Has anyone observed you stop breathing during your sleep? | ☐ | ☐ |
| Do you have or are you being treated for high blood pressure? | ☐ | ☐ |
| Do you have a BMI of more than 35kg/m²?* | ☐ | ☐ |
| Are you over the age of 50? | ☐ | ☐ |
| Do you have a neck circumference greater than 40cm?* | ☐ | ☐ |
| Are you male? | ☐ | ☐ |
Answering "yes" to three or more indicates you may be at high risk of sleep apnoea. If you would like assistance in organising a private referral or finding your closest testing location, Reach out to us.
Contact Us
General Enquiries, Hospital, Aged, Homecare and Sleepcare
1800 050 999 or email healthcare@boc.com
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