Sleep Apnoea
Have you checked your Sleep Health? At Chemist King, Mt Gambier we perform Sleep Studies and help treat Sleep Apnoea. For further enquiries email clmmountgambier@gmail.com
What is Sleep Apnoea?
Sleep Apnoea is a sleeping disorder in which breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep. When you sleep your muscles start to relax, including the ones controlling the upper airway. When that happens, the airway collapses, causing you to stop breathing. The brain senses this and wakes you up, allowing the airway to reopen. Breathing usually resumes with a loud gasp, snort, or a body jerk.
Is Sleep Apnoea serious?
The severity of Sleep Apnoea can range from normal, mild moderate to severe. The severity is measured by the Apnoea/Hyopnea Index (AHI). The higher the AHI, the more severe the disorder.
Some Sleep Apnoea patients may stop breathing up to 100 times in one night during sleep. The results in continuous sleep interruption that may lead to poor sleep quality and other serious health conditions such as cardiovascular disease and hypertension, to name a few.
What are the symptoms I should look out for?
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) can occur in men, women and children of all age and sizes. As Sleep Apnoea sufferer may sometimes not be aware of their own symptoms so it is important for love ones to look out for the following symptoms:
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Loud persistent snoring
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Excessive daytime sleepiness
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Dozing off whole driving, reading, or watching TV
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Choking or gasping for air during sleep
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Morning headaches
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Depression and irritability
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Restlessness during sleep
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Frequent night-time visits to the bathroom
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Sexual dysfunction
How can I get tested for Sleep Apnoea?
If you suspect you or a loved one may be suffering from Sleep Apnoea, you should first consult your doctor and discuss your concerns. If your doctor establishes that you will require further investigation, your doctor can sign off on a referral form and you can make an appointment with us for a Sleep Study.
Can Sleep Apnoea be treated?
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) can be successfully treated; the most effective treatment being CPAP Therapy. Alternative forms of treatments are available too. For milder cases OSA, an oral appliance can be considered. Weight loss may also alleviate the degree of apnoeas. This is only intended as a general guide and there are other options, but your referring doctor or Sleep and Respiratory Physician will be able to advise you on the most suitable treatment for your condition.
How do I get a referral to do a Sleep Study?
We will require your doctor to sign off on a referral to conduct a Sleep Study. This is because you should discuss your concerns and symptoms with your doctor and do a quick screening to determine if you do need a Sleep Study. You will need to be eligible through Medicare to proceed in booking with a sleep study, if not you will need to have a consultation with a sleep physician.
How does CPAP Therapy work?
PAP (Positive Airway Pressure) commonly know as CPAP therapy is a safe and non-invasive treatment, consisting of 3 main parts – an air pump, a mask and a tube that connects the two. How PAP therapy works is that the air pump provides air pressure via the tube and mask into the throat, keeping the airways open while you sleep. Receiving enough airflow during your sleep means your brain will not jolt your body awake to breathe, and you will not experience disruptions through the night when you sleep. PAP Therapy is an ongoing treatment and is designed to work straight away. The best way to get an effective therapy with PAP therapy is to persist at using it every night you sleep. If you stop PAP therapy, the symptoms you used to experience will start coming back very quickly.
Exclusive brands available at Mt Gambier Chemist King which treat your Sleep Apnoea are Philips, Fisher & Paykal and Resmed. For more expert advice and to make a booking, call our friendly staff at Mt Gambier Chemist King or pop in-store today!