Professional Services: Sleep Apnoea

SLEEP apnoea HOME SLEEP STUDY CPAP

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what is sleep apnoea?

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is characterised by repeated episodes of obstruction of the throat during sleep.

Breathing is reduced and may stop for a short time. Blood oxygen levels fall and sleep is briefly interrupted to allow for breathing to restart. This episode of arousal results in disrupted sleep and may occur many times throughout the night.

symptoms of sleep apnoea: Some symptoms of OSA are snoring, tossing and turning, and several awakenings, sometimes while gasping for breath, during sleep. This disturbed sleep can result in drowsiness, tiredness and mood changes during the day. It can also increase the risk of car accidents, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart attack, stroke or depression.

what is a home sleep study?

A Home Sleep Study is a medical test which involves the attachment of leads to several areas of the body to measure sleep patterns, breathing and oxygen levels overnight. It assists with the diagnosis of OSA.

what to expect after this?

If diagnosed with OSA after the Home Sleep Study, we will discuss with you treatment options that suit you. Depending on the severity of the OSA, treatments include lifestyle and dietary modification and use of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine.

what is cpap therapy?

CPAP therapy involves wearing a mask during sleeping hours which covers the nostrils and sometimes the mouth. This mask is connected to an air pump which takes air from the room and gently pressurises it, then blows it through the mask to the throat. The pressure of the air keeps the throat open, allowing uninterrupted airflow to the lungs and improved sleep quality.

Although CPAP does not cure OSA, it will alleviate symptoms significantly and most patients report immediate improved function during the day. Our experienced staff will help you find the most comfortable machine and mask, and support you through assembly, maintenance and data collection.

Key Content

DreamStation Sleep therapy system

Rediscover dreams

take the sleep apnoea questionnaire If you think you are experiencing symptoms of OSA, complete the questionnaire and talk to one of our pharmacists. We will provide you with a referral for your GP who will assess whether the service is right for you, then our experienced staff will set you up in the pharmacy for a Home Sleep Study. Barone Pharmacy Home Sleep Studies are level 2 sleep studies that are currently subsidised by Medicare, minimising the cost to you.