Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?
A. It is where breathing slows or stops for short periods during sleep. This can occur many times during the night. During deep sleep most muscles relax including the tongue and the muscles in the back of the throat, this can cause a blockage of the airways. Such episodes are called apneas.
Q. What are the symptoms of OSA?
A. The most common symptoms are:
- waking without feeling refreshed
- poor memory
- excessive daytime sleepiness
- morning headaches
- lack of interest in sex or impotence in males
- the need to get up and go to the toilet during night
Q. I snore, is this significant problem?
A. Snoring is very common in the community (60% of men over the age of sixty snore regularly). Snoring is usually a social nuisance BUT is often a marker of OSA.
Q. If OSA left untreated what could happen to my health?
A. If OSA is left untreated it can cause high blood pressure (hypertension) heart attack and stroke. It can also make other conditions worse, such as diabetes, heart failure and abnormal heart rhythm. If severe it can cause premature death.
Q. How is OSA assessed?
A. Firstly you will need to be assessed by your doctor. Once it is determined you have a sleep problem your doctor may refer you to a sleep laboratory for full assessment by an overnight sleep study. At the laboratory you will be fitted in a very systematic way with sensors and leads. The leads are connected into a computerized system and your sleep will be monitored overnight. The data collected is analyzed then reported by a doctor, this report is then forwarded to your referring doctor. Trained staff are in attendance for the entire procedure. The study does not include a consultation with a doctor.
Q. What is the treatment for OSA?
A. Treatment depends on the severity of the OSA. Less severe OSA can be treated by individually designed dental devices and nasal surgery to improve the airflow flow. A CPAP pump is the most common treatment for moderate to severe OSA.
Q. What is a CPAP pump?
A. A CPAP pump is a machine that delivers airflow at a specific pressure (which has been determined by another sleep study wearing the equipment) via a tube attached to a close fitting mask. The equipment is worn during sleep and air is delivered at a positive pressure which keeps the airways open.
Q. Can I do anything to help OSA?
A. If overweight try and lose weight, avoid alcohol, sleeping tablets and tranquillisers, improve nasal congestion and avoid sleeping on back may be helpful in some circumstances.
Q. Is the study performed by the doctor?
A. No the study is set up, monitored and analysed by a registered nurse/technician under the supervision of a Sleep Consultant. The analysed data is later reported by the supervising Sleep Consultant.
Q. Do I need a referral to have a sleep study?
A. Yes; a written referral from a registered doctor or dentist is required for all diagnostic studies.
Q. Can my GP refer me for CPAP pressure determination study?
A. No, prior to a CPAP pressure determination study you will need to be seen by Sleep/Respiratory Physician who will refer you for this type of study if required.
Q. How long before my doctor gets the results?
A. Usually within 5-10 days of test date.
Q. Is the study covered by my health fund?
A. Usually, however this depends on how long you have been with your fund and whether you have adequate cover and an excess or co-payment. Individual 'Statement of Fees' and informed financial consent are provided to all patients prior to any study.
Q. Is there any parking?
A. Yes, during the day there is limited parking under the building and in the street. There are no problems finding parking at night.
Q. Is there any public transport?
A. Yes the 136 bus from Manly to Chatswood stops at the Parkway Hotel which is the next building along in Frenchs Forest Road.
Q. Is there wheelchair access?
Yes there is a lift to the second floor.