If the idea of potentially having sleep apnoea is scary or embarrassing for you then take control and discover just how quick and simple it can be to work out if you do need support.
Step 1: Decide if you’re at risk
Nearly three million Australians have obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) yet an estimated 80 per cent are undiagnosed1. That’s four in five of these people who are unnecessarily suffering from difficult issues such as poor concentration, waking up tired no matter how long they sleep.
Many of them are experiencing daytime sleepiness along with pesky morning headaches. They (and their loved ones) are having to put up with loud snoring, choking or gasping for breath while sleeping and taking annoying and frequent visits to the bathroom throughout the night.
Other easy markers2 to watch out for are:
- A High BMI as 77% of obese Australians have OSA
- Type 2 Diabetes as 58% of Australians with type 2 diabetes also have OSA
- High Blood Pressure as 85% of Australians on blood pressure medication have OSA
Step 2: Take an easy quiz
Doing a simple online quiz is a good next step to work out if you potentially have OSA. In just 60 seconds or so you’ll know if you are in a high-risk category or not. There are 16 easy questions such as, ‘how likely are you to fall asleep while reading?’
If you are concerned about a loved one having undiagnosed OSA you can discover if it is something you should help them look into (without invading their privacy).
Step 3: Do a convenient home sleep test
Did you know the average Australian visits a pharmacy 18 times per year? That’s just one of the reasons pharmacies are becoming an easy place to discover if you have undiagnosed OSA. The Pharmacy Sleep Services (PSS) program is currently in more than 700 locations across trusted pharmacies such as Amcal, Blooms, Capital Chemist, Discount Drug Stores, Guardian, and Terry White Chemmart. These pharmacies are a legitimate and trusted alternative to the traditional doctor route to help to identify, screen, test, diagnose and treat patients with sleep apnoea.
If relevant, you will be set up with an overnight sleep test where you will sleep in your own bed at home and set up the device on yourself. Don’t worry. It’s easy and you don’t even need a GP referral. After an external sleep physician has assessed the results, the pharmacy will follow up with you in just 7 to 10 days.
Get a discount $50 sleep at home test voucher here*
Step 4: Take up a risk-free trial offer
If your results show you need further treatment then speak to your local PSS pharmacist about trying out a CPAP device and mask. The good news is you can use one of these for 28 nights before committing to anything.
Need help getting the settings just right? Your pharmacist can alter your machine settings as well as remotely monitor your results. All of this means you can sleep more peacefully and know you are getting the help you need when you need it.
Step 5: Decide on the next step for you
After your four week trial speak to your PSS pharmacist about how you are feeling. Ensure you keep a daily note to record if your experiencing morning headaches, tiredness and other symptoms have improved and how. This will help work out the best next step for you. If you do decide to purchase CPAP equipment in pharmacy then you’ll ensure you will have access to continued expert advice and ongoing support.
If you’d prefer to speak to someone at your local PSS pharmacy then find your closest pharmacy here and begin your journey towards dealing with OSA and begin waking up recharged again.
So, what exactly is obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA)?
In simple terms, OSA is when breathing stops and starts repeatedly whilst someone is asleep because their throat becomes ‘blocked’. This happens when the muscles at the back of their throat relaxes more than normal again and again. This can cause their breathing to stop for a period of time. The person is likely to snore loudly and briefly wake mid sleep.
1,2 References available here
*Terms & conditions apply.
This is a sponsored article produced in partnership with Pharmacy Sleep Services.
