A Sleep Medicine specialist evaluates, diagnoses and treats sleep-related conditions that affect sleep quality, breathing, daytime alertness and overall health. Common conditions include sleep apnoea, insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness, restless legs syndrome, circadian rhythm disorders, parasomnias and other sleep-related disorders.

You should consider seeing a Sleep Medicine specialist if you regularly have difficulty sleeping, loud or persistent snoring, pauses in breathing during sleep, choking or gasping at night, excessive daytime sleepiness, frequent nighttime awakenings or unusual movements or behaviours during sleep.

Most adults generally need 7–9 hours of sleep each night. Individual sleep needs can vary. Consistently getting insufficient or poor-quality sleep may affect concentration, mood, daytime alertness and overall health.

Common symptoms of sleep apnoea include loud snoring, pauses in breathing during sleep, choking or gasping during sleep, restless sleep, morning headaches, dry mouth on waking and excessive daytime sleepiness. Some people may not notice their symptoms, so a bed partner may be the first person to identify them.

Sleep apnoea is diagnosed through a clinical evaluation and, when appropriate, a sleep study. A specialist may review your symptoms, medical history and sleep patterns and recommend an overnight laboratory sleep study or a home sleep test depending on your individual situation.

A sleep study, also called polysomnography, is a diagnostic test that records various body functions while you sleep. Depending on the type of study, it may monitor breathing, oxygen levels, heart rate, brain activity, eye movements and muscle activity to help identify sleep disorders.

During a sleep study, sensors are placed on the body to monitor specific physiological signals while you sleep. The test is generally painless and allows specialists to assess sleep patterns, breathing, oxygen levels and other measurements that may help identify conditions such as sleep apnoea and other sleep disorders.

CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy uses a device to deliver a continuous flow of air through a mask while you sleep. It helps keep the upper airway open and is commonly used to treat obstructive sleep apnoea when clinically indicated. Your Sleep Medicine specialist will determine whether CPAP is appropriate for you.

Insomnia is a sleep disorder in which a person has difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep or getting adequate restorative sleep despite having an opportunity to sleep. Persistent insomnia can affect daytime energy, concentration, mood and quality of life and may require professional evaluation.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is an evidence-based treatment for persistent insomnia. It uses behavioural and cognitive techniques to address habits, thoughts and patterns that can interfere with sleep. CBT-I may be provided as part of a personalised treatment plan following appropriate assessment.

Snoring can occur when airflow through the upper airway becomes restricted during sleep. Loud snoring accompanied by gasping, choking or pauses in breathing may be a sign of obstructive sleep apnoea and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional, particularly when accompanied by excessive daytime sleepiness.

Excessive daytime sleepiness can have several possible causes, including insufficient sleep, sleep apnoea, insomnia, certain medications, medical conditions, circadian rhythm problems and other sleep disorders. A Sleep Medicine specialist can assess your symptoms and determine whether further evaluation or sleep testing is appropriate.

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a neurological sleep-related condition that causes an uncomfortable or unpleasant urge to move the legs, particularly when resting or trying to sleep. Symptoms may improve temporarily with movement and can interfere with falling asleep or staying asleep. A healthcare professional can evaluate the symptoms and identify appropriate treatment.