Sleep Conditions

Snoring

Snoring is often seen as merely a nuisance, but it can be indicative of a more serious underlying issue known as Sleep Apnoea.

This noise stems from the vibration of tissues in the throat, typically signaling Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA), a condition characterized by repeated partial or complete blockage of the upper airway during sleep and can have detrimental effects on your health.

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)

Snoring is often seen as merely a nuisance, but it can be indicative of a more serious underlying issue known as Sleep Apnoea.

Central Sleep Apnoea (CSA)

Central Sleep Apnoea (CSA) is a unique variant of Sleep Apnea that manifests in individuals with underlying conditions such as heart failure, strokes, or certain medications. Unlike Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA), which stems from physical obstruction of the airway, CSA results from a failure to regulate breathing properly during sleep.

Treating CSA differs significantly from standard OSA treatment approaches. It's crucial to accurately distinguish between CSA and OSA to ensure appropriate management, including the selection of the right Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) machine. This is a special form of Sleep Apnea that occurs in the setting of heart failure, strokes, and some medications.

CPAP therapy

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is effective in managing Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) by maintaining an open airway during sleep. Obtaining CPAP therapy requires a prescription from a Sleep Specialist, and at our facility, we prioritize face-to-face consultations to ensure personalized care. Our approach is unbiased, focusing solely on your individual needs and preferences.

Originally developed in Australia in 1980, CPAP has significantly advanced the treatment of both OSA and CSA. Despite its transformative impact, CPAP therapy necessitates diligent monitoring and maintenance to ensure optimal results.

Narcolepsy / Idiopathic Hypersomnia

If you experience profound daytime sleepiness without any other identifiable sleep disorder, you may be suffering from Narcolepsy or Idiopathic Hypersomnia, also known as Central Hypersomnias. These conditions require specialized diagnosis, which cannot be achieved through a home sleep study, also known as an ambulatory study.

To accurately diagnose Narcolepsy or Idiopathic Hypersomnia, a Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) conducted in a hospital setting is necessary. Our sleep laboratory in Adelaide is among the few private Sleep Labs equipped to perform MSLTs.

We have extensive experience in caring for individuals with Narcolepsy, offering comprehensive diagnosis and treatment. Our team of sleep doctors is proficient in prescribing appropriate medications such as Dexamphetamine, Methylphenidate (Concerta™ or Ritalin™), Modafinil (Modavigil™), Armodafinil (Nuvigil™), and Sodium Oxybate (Xyrem™), as well as implementing alternative non-drug therapies like timed napping and bright light therapy.

Parasomnias

Parasomnias encompass various unusual nighttime behaviors such as sleepwalking, sleep talking, and sleep eating. These behaviors can contribute to feelings of fatigue and lack of refreshment upon waking. While commonly associated with children, parasomnias persist in a small percentage of adults, posing potential embarrassment or even danger to bed partners. Parasomnias may overlap with conditions like nocturnal epilepsy and narcolepsy. Unfortunately, these conditions cannot be accurately diagnosed through a home sleep study; an in-hospital sleep study is necessary for proper diagnosis.

Our team of Sleep Specialists routinely address parasomnias of all types. We have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating the full spectrum of parasomnias, including REM Parasomnias (such as RBD, REM Behavior Disorder) and NREM Parasomnias (including sleepwalking, sleep talking, sleep sex, somniloquy, and night terrors).

The Restless Legs Syndrome (Willis-Ekbom disease)

If you experience restlessness or discomfort in your legs, particularly during periods of rest or in the evenings, and find relief by moving, you may be experiencing Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS).RLS is a prevalent neurologicalcondition, typically occurring in the evening and often causing significant irritation. When RLS occurs during sleep, known as Periodic Limb Movements (PLMs), it can lead to sleep fragmentation, resulting in impaired functioning the following day.

RLS and PLMD may coincide with various other conditions. It's essential to inquire whether your home sleep study examines limb movements during the night. We routinely assess for RLS and PLMD in all of our Sleep Studies, as both conditions can be diagnosed and effectively treated you have a restlessness or an ache in your legs, usually at times of rest, or in the evenings, and moving makes it better, then you probably have RLS.

Circadian Rhythm Disturbances

Our internal body clocks don't conform strictly to a 24-hour cycle. They rely on a delicate interplay of internal rhythms, balanced by external cues known as Zeitgebers. When these cues falter, it can lead to disruptions in our Circadian Rhythms.

There are seven distinct disruptions in these rhythms, including Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome, Free Running (Non-24-Hour) Rhythm, and Advanced Sleep Phase Syndrome. DSPS and FRR are common among the young, while ASPS tends to affect the elderly more.

Regrettably, a home sleep study isn't equipped to assess these disturbances. However, we specialize in evaluating and managing Circadian Rhythm disruptions. We not only provide insights into your Circadian Rhythm but also offer strategies to realign your internal clock to a more typical cycle.

HAVING A SLEEP STUDY

Sleep studies are tests that record every possible parameter in the night.

Having a sleep study means getting it right the first time. It should always include :

Brain Wave activity (EEG)
Eye Movements (EOG)
Chin muscle tone (EMG)
Breathing patterns (nasal flow, chest, abdomen,)
Heart rate (ECG)
Oxygen levels (SpO2)
Leg movements (EMG)

Level 1 in-hospital sleep study (a ‘Full sleep study’) can also monitor additional things when needed, that others can’t :

Video recording
Transcutaneous carbon dioxide (TcCO2)
Extended EEG for seizures
Real-time CPAP titration if required
Real-time Bilevel PAP and Bilevel ASV titration if needed

Home studies are not recommended for many groups (including those with high blood pressure, heart failure, significant arrhythmias, neurological disease, pulmonary disease, commercial drivers, or undergoing bariatric weight loss surgery (AASM 2007)). There are other reasons why an unattended study at home might not be right for you. We look at the breadth of all sleep disorders, not just Sleep Apnoea.

A home sleep study won’t look for :

Parasomnias, Nocturnal Seizure Disorders, Central Disorders of Hypersomnolence such as Narcolepsy, Idiopathic Hypersomnia
Subtle findings related to NREM Parasomnias and REM Behaviour Disorder (RBD), or medication-effects
Circadian Rhythm Disturbances and their triggers
Certain other results needed in special situations (such as a Maintenance of Wakefulness Test, MWT)