Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is a common sleep-related breathing condition that causes repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. Because of when it happens, many people with OSA are unaware that it is happening. Often, sleep apnoea symptoms are only first noticed by a partner or family member.
Our team at Fitzwilliam Road Medical Centre may help assess your symptoms, discuss possible risk factors, and guide you on sleep apnoea treatment options.
Consult a healthcare professional if you have, or if your partner notices, the following:
Obstructive sleep apnoea occurs when the muscles at the back of the throat relax too much during sleep, narrowing or blocking the airway. This causes breathing to repeatedly stop and start throughout the night.
Each pause in breathing can last several seconds and may happen many times per hour. These interruptions prevent deep, restorative sleep, even if you are unaware of them.
There are different types of sleep apnoea, including obstructive, central, and complex sleep apnoea. However, obstructive sleep apnoea is the most frequently diagnosed and can affect people of all ages, though it becomes more common as we get older.
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea is a recognised health concern in Australia. Although estimates vary depending on how it’s measured, research from Sleep Help Foundation mentioned that around 8.3% of Australian adults have been diagnosed with OSA.
This figure highlights both the prevalence of OSA and the importance of seeking assessment for symptoms, especially if they interfere with sleep quality or daytime function.
OSA not only disrupts sleep but may also place ongoing strain on the body and affect how you feel and function during the day.
Over time, OSA may be associated with an increased risk of:
Excessive sleepiness during the day can also increase the risk of workplace incidents or driving accidents, particularly when alertness is reduced.
Several factors may increase the likelihood of developing OSA, including:
General factors
Metabolic and lifestyle factors
Sleep and anatomical factors
Medical conditions
Having one or more risk factors does not mean you have sleep apnoea, but it may increase the need for assessment if symptoms are present.
Living with ongoing tiredness, loud snoring, or disrupted sleep can quietly affect your health, focus, and quality of life. Obstructive Sleep Apnoea is a common condition, and support is available.
If you have noticed symptoms in yourself, or if someone close to you has raised concerns about your sleep, a conversation with your GP is a practical first step to clarify what may be contributing to your symptoms and whether assessment or sleep apnoea treatment options should be considered.
Book an appointment with Fitzwilliam Road Medical Centre to discuss your sleep concerns and receive personalised medical advice in a supportive, professional setting.
