MQ Health Respiratory and Sleep Clinic
- Suite 306, Level 3
- 2 Technology Place
- Macquarie University NSW 2109
- T: + 61 (2) 9812 3709
- E: reception@mqrs.com.au
World-class, multidisciplinary care and services
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Patient storiesSleep apnoea is a common sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts. It is estimated around one in four men over the age of 30 are affected.
Symptoms associated with sleep apnoea include:
If you have any of these symptoms, you should contact your doctor.
The causes of sleep apnoea are usually multifactorial. While obesity is on the most common causes of sleep apnoea, other contributing factors include:
The diagnosis of sleep apnoea requires a sleep study and interpretation of the test by a sleep physician.
If you have obstructive sleep apnoea, your doctor might refer you to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor to rule out blockage in nose or throat.
Multiple options are now available to manage sleep apnoea, but there is no cure.
All treatments focus on keeping the upper airway open during sleep. They range from positive pressure machines (CPAP) to mouth splints or positional therapy.
Factors that increase the risk of sleep apnoea include:
Sleep apnoea can be prevented by following a regular pattern of sleep, keeping an active and healthy lifestyle and by focusing on maintaining a healthy weight.