0

Your Cart is Empty

Not Sure What Part you need? Click Here to send us a photo of what you required and our friendly team will help you identify the correct parts ...

August 19, 2020 2 min read

Understanding Sleep Apnoea: A Guide for Better Sleep

Picture this: You're lying in bed on a warm Australian night, but instead of peaceful sleep, you're experiencing repeated breathing interruptions. That's sleep apnoea – a condition where your upper airway repeatedly collapses during sleep, causing breathing pauses that last 10 seconds or longer.

Healthy Breathing During Sleep

When you're sleeping soundly in your bed, air should flow smoothly through your airways, just like a gentle breeze off the coast. Your breathing remains steady and rhythmic, providing your body with the oxygen it needs for rejuvenating rest.

What Happens During Sleep Apnoea?

With sleep apnoea, your airway becomes blocked, like a blocked bush track. This obstruction prevents proper airflow, disrupting your sleep and potentially leading to serious health issues if left untreated.

Recognising Sleep Apnoea: Day and Night Signs

Daytime Symptoms

  • Morning Headaches: Like waking up with a hangover, without the night out
  • Daytime Fatigue: Feeling as tired as after a long day at the beach
  • Poor Focus: Finding it hard to concentrate at work or during daily tasks
  • Irritability: Feeling on edge more often than not

Night-time Symptoms

  • Loud Snoring: Partner comparing your snoring to a freight train
  • Breathing Pauses: Your partner noticing moments when you stop breathing
  • Gasping Episodes: Waking up feeling like you've been underwater
  • Frequent Bathroom Visits: Multiple night-time trips to the loo

Health Risks of Untreated Sleep Apnoea

Type 2 Diabetes

A whopping 58% of Type 2 diabetes patients have sleep apnoea. Poor sleep affects your body's insulin response, similar to how a hot summer affects your energy levels.

Heart Issues

Sleep apnoea increases heart failure risk by 140%. Think of your heart like a car engine - it needs proper maintenance and rest to keep running smoothly.

High Blood Pressure

Half of all people with high blood pressure have sleep apnoea. Your blood vessels work overtime, like an air conditioner on a scorching summer day.

Taking Action

If these symptoms sound familiar, it's time to take control of your sleep health. Modern CPAP machines are quiet, comfortable, and effective - like having your own sleep guardian. They're designed to help you get the restful sleep you deserve, so you can wake up ready to embrace each beautiful Australian day.

Remember, getting quality sleep isn't a luxury - it's as essential as wearing sunscreen on a sunny day at Bondi Beach. Talk to your local sleep specialist about CPAP therapy and take the first step towards better sleep and better health.