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Sleep Clinic

What is a Sleep Clinic?

A Sleep Clinic is a specialised medical service that helps diagnose and treat a wide range of sleep-related disorders. These clinics are staffed by healthcare professionals, including sleep physicians, general practitioners with expertise in sleep health, sleep technicians, and occasionally psychologists. Their goal is to understand the reasons behind poor sleep and provide effective, tailored treatment to improve sleep quality and overall health.


Sleep is essential for physical and mental well-being. Poor sleep or untreated sleep disorders can lead to long-term health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, depression, reduced concentration, and an increased risk of accidents. A Sleep Clinic offers a structured and evidence-based approach to improving sleep and preventing these complications.


Key Features of a Sleep Clinic

1. Comprehensive Sleep Assessment:
Patients are assessed through detailed discussions about their sleep habits, lifestyle, medical history, and any symptoms such as snoring, waking up tired, or excessive daytime sleepiness.


2. Sleep Studies (Polysomnography):
These are overnight tests that monitor your brain waves, oxygen levels, heart rate, breathing patterns, and body movements during sleep. They may be done in a sleep lab or at home using portable devices.


3. Personalised Diagnosis and Treatment:
Based on the assessment and sleep study results, patients receive a customised care plan. This could include medical devices (like CPAP machines), medications, cognitive behavioural therapy, or simple changes in sleep habits.


4. Follow-Up and Monitoring:
Sleep Clinics often provide ongoing care to ensure treatments are working and adjust plans as needed.


Conditions Commonly Managed at a Sleep Clinic

  • Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA): Interrupted breathing due to blocked airways.
  • Insomnia: Difficulty falling or staying asleep.
  • Restless Legs Syndrome: An uncomfortable urge to move the legs, especially at night.
  • Narcolepsy: A neurological disorder causing sudden and uncontrollable sleep episodes.
  • Parasomnias: Abnormal behaviours during sleep, such as sleepwalking or nightmares.
  • Circadian Rhythm Disorders: Disruptions to the natural sleep-wake cycle, often seen in shift workers.


Why Visit a Sleep Clinic?

People are referred to a Sleep Clinic if they:

  • Snore loudly or gasp during sleep
  • Wake up feeling tired despite a full night in bed
  • Struggle to fall asleep or stay asleep
  • Feel sleepy or drowsy during the day
  • Experience unusual movements or behaviours during sleep
  • Have difficulty staying alert while working or driving
  • Have been diagnosed with conditions that impact sleep (e.g. obesity, depression, chronic pain)


The Role of the Sleep Clinic in Healthcare

A Sleep Clinic plays a vital role in:

  • Identifying and treating sleep disorders early
  • Preventing related health risks
  • Supporting lifestyle and behavioural changes
  • Improving quality of life for patients with chronic conditions
  • Enhancing mental health, memory, and daily performance


Sleep Apnoea

What is Sleep Apnoea?

Sleep Apnoea is a common sleep disorder where your breathing repeatedly stops and starts while you sleep. The most common type is Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA), caused by the relaxation of throat muscles that block your airway.

There are three types of sleep apnoea:

  • Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA): Most common type, due to blocked upper airways.
  • Central Sleep Apnoea (CSA): Less common, caused by the brain not sending signals to the muscles that control breathing.
  • Mixed or Complex Sleep Apnoea: A combination of OSA and CSA.

Common Symptoms of Sleep Apnoea

Many people don’t realise they have sleep apnoea. Symptoms may include:

  • Loud snoring
  • Gasping or choking during sleep
  • Waking up frequently at night
  • Daytime sleepiness or fatigue
  • Morning headaches
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Mood changes or irritability
  • Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking


A bed partner may often notice the breathing pauses before the person becomes aware of the problem themselves.


Treatment Options for Sleep Apnoea

Once diagnosed, treatment depends on the severity of the condition and your individual needs. Common treatments include:

  • CPAP Therapy: A machine that keeps your airway open using continuous air pressure while you sleep.
  • Lifestyle Changes: Weight loss, avoiding alcohol and smoking, sleeping on your side.
  • Dental Devices: Mouthguards that help keep the airway open.
  • Surgery: For structural issues in the nose, throat, or jaw.
  • Positional Therapy: Special pillows or alarms to discourage sleeping on your back.


Treating sleep apnoea can improve your energy levels, memory, mood, and reduce the risk of serious health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.


Risks of Untreated Sleep Apnoea

Ignoring sleep apnoea can lead to:

  • Daytime fatigue and concentration problems
  • Increased risk of motor vehicle and workplace accidents
  • Poor sleep quality for both the patient and their partner
  • Worsening of chronic conditions (like heart disease or diabetes)
  • Reduced mental health and quality of life


Early detection and treatment significantly improve health outcomes.


Home Sleep Tests

What is a Home Sleep Test?

A Home Sleep Test (HST) is a simple, non-invasive diagnostic tool used to assess whether you have Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA). It monitors key aspects of your breathing and sleep patterns while you sleep in the comfort of your own bed.


Home Sleep Tests typically measure:

  • Airflow through your nose and mouth
  • Breathing effort (chest and abdominal movements)
  • Oxygen levels in your blood
  • Heart rate
  • Snoring sounds
  • Body position during sleep


Home Sleep Tests are suitable for people with a high likelihood of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnoea, based on their symptoms and risk factors.


Who Should Consider a Home Sleep Test?

You may be suitable for a home sleep test if you:

  • Have signs or symptoms of obstructive sleep apnoea
  • Snore loudly or gasp for air during sleep
  • Frequently feel sleepy during the day
  • Are overweight or have a large neck circumference
  • Have high blood pressure, especially if it's hard to control
  • Have a family history of sleep apnoea
  • Need a sleep study for driving or occupational health clearance


Speak to your doctor to determine whether a home sleep test is appropriate or if an in-lab sleep study is better suited.


How Does a Home Sleep Test Work?

Step 1: Referral & Preparation

Your GP or sleep specialist will assess your symptoms and order a test. You'll receive a testing kit and instructions from the clinic or a sleep services provider.


Step 2: Test Night at Home

You apply sensors before bedtime. These typically include:

  • A nasal cannula to detect airflow
  • A finger probe to measure oxygen saturation
  • Bands around your chest and abdomen to monitor breathing effort


You go to sleep as usual, and the device records your data overnight.


Step 3: Return the Device

You return the device the next day (or as instructed). The recorded data is downloaded and analysed by a sleep specialist.


Step 4: Results & Treatment Plan

Your results will be reviewed with you, and your doctor will recommend treatment if sleep apnoea is confirmed.


Benefits of Home Sleep Tests

  • Comfort: Sleep in your own bed
  • Convenience: No hospital stay required
  • Affordability: Lower cost compared to in-lab studies
  • Accessibility: Especially useful for rural or busy patients
  • Reliable screening tool: Especially effective for moderate to severe OSA


However, home tests may not be suitable if complex or multiple sleep disorders are suspected.


What if Sleep Disorders are Left Untreated?

Untreated sleep disorders may:

  • Affect memory, focus, and daily performance
  • Increase risk of chronic diseases
  • Strain relationships due to snoring or irritability
  • Lead to work accidents or motor vehicle crashes
  • Worsen mood and mental health



Seeking early diagnosis and management helps prevent complications and improves quality of life.