With each passing year there is new research showing the sleep disorders are more prevalent and harmful than previously thought. However, we as individuals often overlook the signs and symptoms of an underlying condition that is both serious and treatable. Being aware of the common sleep conditions can help you know when to seek out medical advice and treatment to improve your sleep health.
Sufferers of obstructive sleep apnea experience a partial or complete interruption of breathing during sleep. This is caused by repeated collapse of the upper airway while sleeping. People with this condition are often tired during the day. They may also snore, wake up gasping or choking, or awake with a headache. 17% of the general population is thought to have OSA, but the prevalence is higher in men, in older people, and in those who are overweight or obese. A combination of these factors could see your chance of developing OSA reach as high as 49%.
Those with untreated OSA risk developing cardiovascular disease like heart attack, metabolic disease like diabetes, stroke, and depression. There are also the complications of being overly tired, such as decreased ability to learn and concentrate, poor performance at work, and increased chance of a motor vehicle accident.
OSA is typically diagnosed with a sleep study, which you can do at home or in a sleep lab. The best first step is to speak to your GP who can help organize the sleep study or send you to a specialist sleep physician.
If your study shows that you do have OSA, there are a number of treatment options. More mild forms of the condition can be managed by lifestyle modifications like weight loss and smoking cessation, or by a dental device called a Mandibular Advancement Splint, which pushes the jaw forward to help open the airway at night. The most effective treatment is a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, or CPAP machine. This works by gently blowing pressurized air into your upper airway to prevent collapse. To learn more about CPAP, click here.
Like obstructive sleep apnea, CSA causes a disruption of breathing during sleep. However, in this condition the route cause is the interruption of the brain signals that control the muscles of breathing. In additional to the fatigue that can accompany any form of sleep apnea, CSA sufferers can also wake up feeling breathless, feel short of breath while lying down (orthopnea), or have chest pain. Other medical conditions like heart failure, cardiac arrhythmia and stroke can all contribute to the development of CSA. Central sleep apnea can then cause further cardiovascular problems.
Central sleep apnea can be diagnosed with an in lab sleep study. Specialist physician involvement is important, and CSA patients should see both a cardiologist and a sleep physician to make sure their heart and sleep problems are well managed. Treatment often involves the use of a positive pressure machine like CPAP, a ventilator like bi-level positive airway pressure (BPAP), or a more complex device like Adaptive Seroventilation (ASV).
Narcolepsy is a condition characterized by the uncontrollable urge to sleep during the day. While the exact cause is unknown, it is thought that the underproduction of certain brain chemicals (like hypocretin) are responsible for the disorder. Apart from attacks of sleepiness, sufferers can also experience a loss of voluntary muscle tone (cataplexy) and hallucinations that would only occur in health people as they were transitioning from wakefulness to sleep (hypnagogic hallucinations).
You are at higher risk of developing narcolepsy if you have a family history of the condition of if you have had brain injuries in the past. The chances of developing the disorder also increase with age. Sufferers often deal with personal and professional issues, including poor work performance, relationship problems, or stigma due to poor understanding of the disease. You are also at higher risk of injury when you have an episode.
Narcolepsy is diagnosed by a special type of sleep study called a Multiple Sleep Latency Test, or MSLT. This is carried out during the day and looks at how quickly you fall asleep. All patients with narcolepsy should be managed by a specialist sleep physician.
People with restless leg syndrome feel a discomfort in their lower limbs that is only relieved by moving their legs. They will move their legs around more during the transition from wakefulness to sleep and throughout the night. This causes a disruption of sleep, which leads to excessive daytime fatigue.
You are more likely to develop restless leg syndrome if you have a family history of the condition, or if you have another medical problem that effects the nervous system (e.g. peripheral neuropathy that can accompany diabetes).
You will most likely receive your diagnoses based on your description of your symptoms and a physical examination, although you may be asked to do an in-lab sleep study.
There are some medications that can be used to alleviate the symptoms. This condition is best managed by a specialist sleep physician.
Dating or in a new relationship? Our latest blog shares simple tips on how to talk about CPAP with a new love interest. Because a little mask isn’t a dealbreaker but snoring and exhaustion might be!
When it’s time for bed, what position do you snuggle into for sleep? Everyone has a go-to flop, whether it’s sprawled out on your stomach or curled up on your side. But did you know your sleep position can make or break your sleep quality, especially if you have a condition like sleep apnea?
You’ve settled into bed, your CPAP machine is gently humming, and you’re ready for a restful night’s sleep…until you hear that tell-tale hissing sound or feel a breeze of air on your face.
If that sounds familiar, you’re likely dealing with CPAP mask leak, one of the most common challenges in CPAP therapy. While some level of leak is normal and even expected with CPAP equipment, too much of it can disrupt your therapy and your sleep.
In this blog, we’ll explore what mask leak is, why it happens and what you can do about it to stay comfortable and get the most from your treatment.
Each year on April 7th, World Health Day serves as a reminder of the importance of global health issues. This year, let’s shine a light on a condition that affects a billion people worldwide but often goes unnoticed: sleep apnea.1 Here in Australia, an estimated 20% of the general population suffers from moderate to severe sleep apnea. Yet, despite its prevalence, over 80% of cases remain undiagnosed and untreated.
It’s a small but jarring moment. You wake up after a solid night’s sleep, feeling refreshed and energised, only to catch your reflection in the bathroom mirror and see it: a conspicuous red mark or marks left behind by your CPAP mask.
For many who use CPAP therapy to manage sleep apnea, skin irritation and mask-related discomfort are unfortunately common side effects. The only good news is that they’re usually temporary and almost always fixable.
Tossing and turning at night? You’re not alone. Insomnia is more than just the occasional sleepless night—it’s a genuine sleep disorder that affects millions of Australians, and women are twice as likely as men to struggle with it. Why? Hormonal changes, mood swings, and the daily pressures of life all play a part.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age, often leading to menstrual irregularities, hormone imbalances, ovarian cysts, and weight gain.1 It is the leading cause of female infertility and increases the risk of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Over half of women with PCOS develop diabetes by age 40.2Now, what many people don’t realise is that PCOS may also increase the risk of another serious health issue: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Sleep apnea, a condition characterised by pauses in breathing during sleep, can significantly impact anyone’s quality of life. But during pregnancy, it’s even more important to keep it under control! Untreated sleep apnea can affect both you and your baby, making quality sleep a top priority for expectant mothers.
Sharing a bed with a snoring partner isn’t just frustrating—it can seriously impact sleep and daily life. Women who live with heavy snorers are more likely to suffer from insomnia, morning headaches, daytime sleepiness, and fatigue compared to those with non-snoring partners. Over time, these sleep disruptions can affect energy levels, focus, and overall well-being.
