Sleep

Sleep studies may be performed overnight in a hospital sleep laboratory or at home using portable equipment. There are pros and cons to each, however a Level 1 in-laboratory polysomnogram (sleep study) with video monitoring is considered the gold standard test and delivers more sophisticated data. Consultation with a sleep physician is required before an in-laboratory test. Home based studies may be suitable for those with high likelihood of obstructive sleep apnoea in the absence of other medical conditions (such as heart disease). There are a wide range of sleep study providers and retailers on the Sunshine Coast and a sleep physician can assist in navigating the options.

Obstructive sleep apnoea is a common condition caused by repetitive collapse of the upper airway during sleep. It is marked by snoring, sleep interruption and daytime sleepiness and may lead to significant impact on quality of life. Fortunately, a number of effective treatments exist. Although sleep apnoea is relatively straightforward to diagnose, treatment should be tailored to the individual and consultation with a sleep physician is an integral part of management of the condition.

Insomnia is difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep and is a common condition experienced by most people from time to time. For some, it may significantly affect quality of life and impair work performance. It is frequently associated with psychiatric, physical or other sleep conditions. Management of insomnia is complex and may involve behavioural interventions and medications.

Narcolepsy is a rare but under-diagnosed disorder of excessive daytime sleepiness and sleep-wake dysregulation. Onset in adolescence is typical but the condition may be diagnosed at any age. Sleepiness may be profound and can have severe consequences on education and employment. Diagnosing narcolepsy is complex and distinction from other sleep disorders is critical, necessitating review by a sleep physician. Treatment consists of wakefulness-promoting medications and lifestyle changes.

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) (also known as Willis-Ekbom disease) is a common neurological disorder causing abnormal sensations in the legs. It is characterised by an uncomfortable urge to move the legs and paraesthesia, often impacting ability to fall asleep. It tends to worsen with age. Management consists of identifying and eliminating contributing factors, as well as simple non-pharmacological remedies and certain medications.

Sleep walking, sleep terrors, abnormal movements in sleep, hallucinations and sleep paralysis are examples of parasomnias. These are unusual nocturnal behaviours that may be experienced while falling asleep, during sleep or during arousals from sleep. Following consultation, further investigation usually consists of a video-monitored sleep study. Some parasomnias are an important clue to the presence of other medical conditions. Management is tailored to the individual circumstance, and may include medication.