Sleep Apnea


What is Obstructive Sleep Apena (OSA)?



OSA is a Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB) condition which occurs during sleep, due to the narrowing or total closure of the airway.  

When your airway is narrow, you or your partner may notice that you snore.

Snoring is often no greater problem than the noise itself. However, loud snoring may be a sign of a more serious problem – Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

OSA occurs when the airway becomes completely blocked and breathing stops. The brain then detects the lack of oxygen and prompts a momentary arousal to draw breath. Although OSA sufferers may experience hundreds of apnea episodes per night, they are unlikely to remember any of them. In fact, if the sufferer lives alone or sleeps separately they may not be aware of their condition, even after many years.  

How do I know if I have OSA?


If you:

  • Feel unrefreshed upon waking
  • Feel sleepy during the day
  • Cannot concentrate and retain information

then you may have OSA.


I think I may have insomnia...


When you can't sleep properly, its easy to get sleep conditions confused. Patients often complain of insomnia but the only way to be sure which sleep condition you have, is to see a Sleep Physician.


What should I do next?



         OR

  • Visit your G.P and request a sleep test. When you are diagnosed by a Sleep Physician, you can discuss your suitability for a SomnoDent



1. Young T, Peppard PE, Gottlieb DJ. Epidemiology of obstructive sleep apnea: a population health perspective. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2002;165(9):1217-39.




4.2 million people in Australia have a Sleep Disordered Breathing Condition1


Up to 80% of these people remain undiagnosed


OSA is a serious health condition

 
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