FREE SLEEP SCREENING
THERE COULD BE MORE TO THAT SNORE
How are you sleeping?
Also, here are two questionnaires, which subjectively measure sleepiness:
What is sleep apnoea?
Sleep apnoea is a common disorder in which you have one or more pauses in breathing or shallow breaths while you sleep. Breathing pauses can last from a few seconds to minutes. They may occur 30 times or more an hour.
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Normal During normal sleep, the muscles that control the tongue and soft palate hold the airway open. |
Snoring When these muscles relax, the airway narrows. This can lead to snoring and breathing difficulties. |
Sleep apnoea If the muscles relax too much, the airway can collapse and become blocked obstructing breathing. |
Effects on your body
When the airway is completely obstructed, the body tries harder and harder to breathe, which increases blood pressure and heart rate. Eventually, a moment comes when the extra effort wakes you up. This cycle continuously repeats itself during the night. This can result in serious short and long-term consequences including:
- High blood pressure
- Heart attack
- Heart failure
- Stroke
- Obesity
- Psychiatric problems, including depression and other mood disorders
- Injury from accidents
- Disruption of bed partner's sleep quality
- Poor quality of life
How can I find out if I have sleep apnoea?
Speak to our pharmacist today, who will help assess your likelihood of suffering from undiagnosed sleep apnoea. Your doctor can refer you by directly faxing or posting a referral to the nearest Sleeping Works Centre.
Sleeping Works will then contact you to book an appointment. Alternatively, you can ask your referring doctor on your next visit for a referral and then you can contact the nearest Sleeping Works Centre to book an appointment.
HOME-BASED SLEEP STUDY
WHAT IS A HOME-BASED SLEEP STUDY?
A Home-based Sleep Study (HSS) is an overnight recording of your sleep, breathing, heart rate and other parameters.
WHY DO I NEED THIS STUDY?
Based on your identified symptoms and other medical conditions, your referring doctor feels that it is appropriate to assess whether or not you have any Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB) that may be affecting both your short and long-term health outcomes. By reviewing the various parameters recorded on the sleep-monitoring device, a thorough understanding of your sleep is developed. This allows a sleep specialist to diagnose any sleep disorders, such as Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA).
PATIENT BENEFITS FROM A HSS?
- Increased comfort from sleeping in your own bed.
- Improved health with results and therapy options all in less than a month.
- Lower cost than an in-lab sleep study.
- Easier and faster testing maintaining optimal patient care.
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN A HSS?
On the day of the study, you will visit a Sleeping Works Centre for instructions. You will collect the sleep-monitoring device and may be booked in for a couple of other simple tests at the Centre.
The device is worn overnight to monitor your sleep patterns, body movement, snoring, eye movements, oxygen levels, heart rhythm and rate. With the device strapped to your body at night, there are a few sensors applied to the skin surface on various parts of your body. The device is then returned to the Sleeping Works Centre the next day for assessment.
WHAT DO I NEED AT THE TIME OF THE APPOINTMENT?
- Your referral
- Your Medicare Card and any benefit cards (eg. DVA, Healthcare)
- A list of medications that you are currently taking
- If you have any difficulty with understanding English or suffer from memory loss, bring your partner, carer or a friend with you
How do I prepare for my HSS?
On the night of the study, it is important to conduct everything as you normally would. Have your usual medications and alcoholic beverages if any (unless otherwise advised by your medical practitioner). The only difference is that you will be sleeping with a device, which you will be applying on your body 30-45 minutes before your bedtime. You will place the sensors on your body as instructed at your appointment.
The most important factor in getting accurate results is good skin preparation to facilitate contact between the sensors and your skin. Beforehand, please shower, remove any makeup or nail polish and wash your hair. Do not apply any moisturisers or oils to your skin.
When you wake up the next day, remove all the sensors and discard the electrodes as well as the nasal cannula. Then, return the machine to your Sleeping Works Centre at the agreed time.
CPAP TREATMENT AND CARE
IMPROVING YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE
HOW DOES CPAP WORK?
The Continuance Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device is designed to blow mild air pressure through your obstructed airway to allow you to breathe normally.
There are two types of CPAP devices; fixed pressure and automatic pressure. Fixed pressure devices blow air at constant pressure throughout the night. Alternatively, the automatic pressure device is designed to sense your breathing through the use of a pressure feedback device and applies pressure in response to your requirements.
MAINTAINING YOUR MASK AND CPAP DEVICE
Mask Care
CPAP mask and headgear usually requires replacement every 1-2 years. Wipe your mask every morning with a moist cloth. Dismantle your mask, headgear, tubing and chinstrap (if you use one) and place them in warm, soapy water once a week. Leave your equipment to drip-dry away from direct sunlight. Do not use bleach, eucalyptus oil or disinfectant.
CPAP Device Care
Tubing should be replaced every 6-12 months to prevent sudden failures. To keep your tubing in good condition, detach it from the device every morning and allow it to air-dry. To wash the tubing, place it in cold soapy water and rinse with clean water. Hang it upside down and away from direct sunlight to allow drip-drying. Filters should be checked every 4 weeks.
Humidifier Care
Refill the water in the humidifier every night. Never re-use the previous night’s water. It is recommended to use distilled or demineralised water. Wash the humidifier once a week in soapy water, rinse with clean water and let it drip-dry.
CPAP Device Check-up
Once you’re on CPAP treatment, you should return at least twice a year to have your mask and device serviced. In addition, you should acquire a report download to monitor the progress of your treatment. It is also recommended that a review sleep test be conducted once every 12 months. Medicare covers yearly sleep tests.
Mask Comfort Tips
For the effectiveness of your CPAP therapy, a correctly fitted and comfortable mask should be your priority. When adjusting your mask:
- A chinstrap may be required if you breathe through your mouth.
- Use the smallest mask that fits but does not pinch the nostrils.
- Headgear should be secure, but not too tight, as folds may develop in the material, creating a path for leaks.
- You may consider looping the tubing over the headboard to reduce the pull on the mask.
LOCATIONS to book now
CHEMISTWORKS
BROADWAY
G20A, Broadway Shopping Centre, 1 Bay St, Broadway NSW 2007
02 9212 4377
CHEMISTWORKS EDMONDSON PARK
Ed. Sqaure Town Centre, 52 Soldiers Pde, Edmondson Park NSW 2174
02 8417 8085
CHEMISTWORKS GLENDALE
Shop 22, Stockland Shopping Centre, 387 Lake Rd, Glendale NSW 2285
02 4956 5644
CHEMISTWORKS WETHERILL PARK
Stockland Shopping Centre, 561 Polding St, Wetherill Park NSW 2164
02 9609 7239