Understanding Sleep Apnoea and How It Affects Your Health

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is a common but serious sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. It occurs whe the muscles at the back of the throat relax too much, causing the airway to narrow or collapse. When this happens, oxygen levels drop and the brain briefly wakes the body to restart breathing - often without you being aware of it.

At Tooradin Pharmacy, we help patients identify, diagnose and manage obstructive sleep apnoea through convenient at-home sleep studies and personalised treatment plans.

Common Signs and Symptoms

Many people are unaware they have sleep apnoea until a partner notices their symptoms. Common warning signs include:

• Loud, persistant snoring
• Pauses in breathing during sleep
• Choking or gasping overnight
• Morning headaches
• Waking feeling unrefreshed
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Poor concentration and irritability

If you are experiencing these symptoms, a professional sleep apnoea assessment may be recommended.

The most common treatment for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnoea is CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy. CPAP works by gently delivering air pressure through a mask to keep your airway open during sleep.

At Tooradin Pharmacy, we provide:

• CPAP machines
• Professional mask fittings
• Ongoing equipment support
• Personalised guidance to improve comfort and compliance.

With the right treatment, most patients experience improved sleep quality, increased energy levels and better long-term health outcomes.

Speak to our friendly team for more information or to book a sleep study today.