Sleep apnoea is one of the most common — and most under-diagnosed — conditions we treat at Southwest Pulmonary & Sleep Centre (SWCPC) in Oran Park. Many patients don’t realise they have it until a partner mentions the snoring, or until a GP flags concerns about blood pressure, fatigue, or mood. This guide explains what sleep apnoea is, how to recognise it, and what our Sleep Doctors at SWCPC can do to help.
What Is Sleep Apnoea?
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is a condition where the airway repeatedly collapses or becomes blocked during sleep, causing breathing to pause — sometimes hundreds of times per night. Each pause (apnoea) typically lasts 10–30 seconds, after which the brain briefly wakes the body to restore breathing. Most people have no memory of these events, which is why the condition so often goes undetected.
Sleep apnoea is not just a nuisance — it significantly increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and motor vehicle accidents due to fatigue.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnoea
The most common symptoms our Sleep Physicians at SWCPC see include:
- Loud, persistent snoring
- Witnessed pauses in breathing during sleep
- Waking with a dry mouth, sore throat, or headache
- Excessive daytime sleepiness — even after a full night’s sleep
- Poor concentration, memory, or mood
- Waking frequently during the night
- High blood pressure that is difficult to control
- Reduced libido or erectile dysfunction
If you or your partner recognise several of these symptoms, it’s worth speaking to your GP about a referral to a Sleep Specialist.
How Is Sleep Apnoea Diagnosed?
At SWCPC, we use home-based sleep studies to diagnose sleep apnoea — meaning you sleep in your own bed, in your own home, with a small monitoring device. The device records your breathing, oxygen levels, heart rate, and sleep position throughout the night. Results are then reviewed by our Sleep Physicians, who interpret the data and discuss findings with you at a follow-up appointment.
Home sleep studies are accurate, affordable, and far more convenient than an overnight hospital stay. Medicare rebates apply for eligible patients with a valid GP or specialist referral.
Treatment Options for Sleep Apnoea at SWCPC
There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for sleep apnoea. Our Sleep Doctors tailor your treatment plan based on the severity of your condition, your anatomy, and your lifestyle. Options include:
CPAP Therapy
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is the gold-standard treatment for moderate to severe sleep apnoea. A small machine delivers pressurised air through a mask, keeping the airway open throughout the night. Modern CPAP devices are quiet, compact, and highly effective. Our team will guide you through set-up and ongoing support.
Mandibular Advancement Splint (MAS)
For patients with mild to moderate sleep apnoea, or those who cannot tolerate CPAP, a Mandibular Advancement Splint is an excellent alternative. This is a custom-fitted oral device worn during sleep that holds the jaw slightly forward, preventing airway collapse. Our dental sleep specialist, Dr Michelle Donegan, provides MAS consultations at SWCPC.
Lifestyle Modifications
Weight loss, reducing alcohol intake, changing sleep position, and treating nasal congestion can all meaningfully reduce sleep apnoea severity, particularly in milder cases. Our Sleep Specialists will advise on lifestyle changes as part of your overall management plan.
See a Sleep Doctor in Oran Park
SWCPC is one of the only dedicated Sleep Doctor clinics in South West Sydney. We accept GP referrals and see patients from Oran Park, Camden, Narellan, Campbelltown, Gregory Hills, Liverpool, and Leppington.
Address: Level 2, Suite 2.12, TRN House, 90 Podium Way, Oran Park NSW 2570
Phone: (02) 4607 5010
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm
