2013

Stop, Breathe, Fall Asleep, Repeat–Obstructive Sleep Apnea Explained!

What is misunderstood by patients is they think Sleep Apnea is just snoring; or the gasping for air is just gasping for air. In fact not many patients associate snoring or gasping for air as affecting the quality of their sleep. When you stop  breathing at night, your body wakes you up, maybe ever so slightly in order to breathe again. You then continue to breathe until you go to sleep again. This cycle is then repeated through the night which is why you are tired during the day and have headaches in the morning.

On a Sleep Study, we consider this to be an "arousal", with the frequency in breath pauses over the span of one night's sleep as your AHI or Apnoea Hypopnoea Index. 0-5 is considered to be normal when speaking about Obstructive Sleep Apnea, anything higher is not normal. You are categorised into either Mild (5-15 pauses per hour), Moderate (15-30 pauses per hour) or Severe (anything greater than 30 pauses per hour). If you do snore and are tired during the day, this may be the reason why. Testing is now fast and efficient,and best of all you are able to be tested in your own home, so why not contact us to organise a Sleep Study today 9252 6144.

Fatigue – Don’t take it to work with you!

Fatigue is a Workplace Health and Safety risk, particularly if you drive heavy vehicles or operate machinery. Even if you make important business decisions, studies have shown that fatigue can impair your judgement as much as having a Blood Alcohol Concentration of 0.05! Sleepiness and fatigue are two different conditions. Sleepiness comes from having a poor night's sleep the night before; it is usally a symptom of fatigue. Fatigue usually relates to poor reaction time, small attention span and trouble in focusing. It is therefore more than just feeling sleepy. It is everyone's responsibility to ensure that fatigue stays out of the workplace. Many companies have policies in place to ensure employees are able to come to work without feeling fatigued.This includes roster design, ability to take a break when needed, and in some cases, enabling the employee's access to a "power nap".

If there is an underlying sleep disorder, such as Obstructive Sleep Apnea, employees will benefit from accurate diagnosis and effective therapy. Contact Sleep Centres on 9252 6144 to find out more.

OSA In the Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous

It is not just your average Joe who can suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA). People from all walks of life are susceptible to this common disorder. Many famous people have become outspoken advocates for those who suffer and still remain untreated. People like Rosanne Barr - from the 90's TV show Rosanne or Rosie O'Donnell have both become advocates for the disorder and recommend getting checked out by experts.OSA doesn't just affect people who are over weight; athletes can also have this condition.  Shaquille O'Neal a former NBA player in America also suffers from the disorder, despite being fit and well in all other aspects of his life!  He maintains his health through the use of COntinuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP).Randy Jackson, an American Idol judge also suffers from Sleep Apnoea and has been a very big figure in reaising the profile of OSA.As you can see, you aren't alone.If you think you may have this condition, it is good to get tested and ensure that you are making the most of your night time sleep!

Dental Devices (A Rose by Any Other Name Would Smell as Sweet)

You may have heard about dental devices being used as a treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea. It is a service that we offer by an experienced Dentist, who is also qualified in the area of sleep medicine. Dental devices work by pushing the lower jaw forward to keep the airway open during sleep. What you may not know is that dental devices are known by other names such as Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD), Mandibular Advancement Splint (MAS) and most recently Oral Appliance Therapy. So many names for such a wonderful appliance that can help to eliminate snoring as well as treat obstructive sleep apnoea!

Sail into the Recovery Bay with your CPAP on display!

If you have just undergone a Surgical Procedure, it is good to continue using CPAP post-operatively under the direction of your doctor. CPAP aids your sleep, and helps you get the rest that you need to make a faster recovery. CPAP often supports the metabolism and enables your body to rid itself of the Anaesthetics that have been used during your procedure. Provided that you have not had an ENT Procedure, it is good to use your CPAP just as you have done previously. If you are unsure whether or not to use your CPAP after the operation, ask your surgeon if it is okay to do so or contact us here at Sleep Centres of Australia. Call us on 9252 6144.

Going Under the Knife?

If you suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) you are usually required to take your CPAP device with you for Post-Operative Recovery. Also be sure to tell your Anaesthetist, so they know what to expect when they wake you up from surgery. Check with your surgeon if you need your CPAP machine, some procedures require you to be off CPAP before or after your procedure. Mention your Sleep Study results so that the surgeon understands the severity of your condition. The recovery staff are well trained and will ensure correct treatment with your CPAP machine. You might not remember them turning on the Machine but you will definitely feel a difference!

Mixing and Matching CPAP Machine and Mask

Imagine you had one brand of CPAP machine and CPAP mask to choose from. What would happen if that brand didn’t have the ideal mask for you? A couple of things could occur such as discomfort, mask leak, lost sleep, frustration and less use of your CPAP machine. You might even give up on using it altogether! All these things could interrupt your sleep and undermine your energy levels and quality of life. The good news is that Sleep Centres of Australia stock the 3 leading brands of CPAP machine and mask. This means that we can mix and match the machine and mask brands to find the best mask fit for you!

Free Sleep Apnoea Education Session

Free Sleep Apnoea Education Session on Tuesday September 24 at 11:00am

All are welcome including Sleep Apnoea patients and family members, nurses, carers, allied health professionals.
Attendance by registration. P: 9252 6144

The Topics Covered:

  • What is sleep apnoea? An insight into sleep apnoea research.
  • How to best care for a CPAP Machine - cleaning and maintenance, how to clean
    the water chamber, tips for eliminating build up in the water chamber etc.
  • How to best care for a CPAP Mask – Getting a good mask seal, cleaning and
    care procedures for your mask
  • Questions and Answer Session with an experienced Sleep Scientist and Sleep Consultant

There are limited spaces available so register now to secure your spot!!

To register for the event please phone Sleep Centres of Australia on 9332 8890 or email info@sleepcentres.com.au