Obstructive Sleep Apnoea

What is obstructive sleep apnoea?

OSA occurs when the upper airway repeatedly narrows or closes during sleep. Breathing may become shallow or pause, often followed by a brief awakening that the person does not remember. These interruptions can fragment sleep and sometimes lower blood oxygen levels.

OSA affects people of different body sizes. Excess weight can increase risk, but jaw and airway anatomy, nasal obstruction, age and other factors also matter. Snoring alone does not prove that someone has OSA, and some people with OSA do not recognise their own symptoms.

Signs that deserve an assessment

Symptoms can have several causes. If you are becoming sleepy while driving, avoid driving and arrange prompt medical advice.

Why is OSA worth investigating?

Untreated OSA may affect alertness, quality of life and day-to-day functioning. It is also associated with conditions including high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. Your individual risk depends on your wider health, so a diagnosis and treatment plan should be based on more than snoring alone.

If your partner is losing sleep because of snoring or gasping, read our article on how sleep apnoea can affect the person sleeping beside you.

How is OSA diagnosed?

A consultation reviews your symptoms, medical history, medications and other possible causes of tiredness. A sleep study records breathing and other signals overnight to help establish whether OSA is present and how severe it is.

Australian Polyclinic offers Level 2 home sleep studies when clinically appropriate. This type of study records sleep as well as breathing signals while you sleep at home. Your doctor will advise whether this is the right investigation for you and whether further assessment is needed if a result does not explain your symptoms.

See how our home sleep study works →

What treatments are available?

Treatment depends on the study findings, symptoms, other medical conditions and your preferences. Options may include:

• Positive airway pressure (CPAP or APAP): airflow delivered through a mask helps keep the airway open during sleep.
• Weight management and lifestyle measures: useful when relevant, alongside assessment of alcohol use, sedating medicines and sleep habits.
• Positional approaches: suitable for some people whose OSA is substantially worse when sleeping on their back.
• Oral appliance or other specialist treatment: considered for selected patients after assessment.

CPAP is an effective option for many patients, particularly where OSA causes significant sleepiness. Mask fit, comfort and follow-up matter. Read our guide to the first month of CPAP therapy.

Common questions

Does everyone who snores have sleep apnoea?
No. Snoring can occur without OSA. Pauses in breathing, gasping or daytime sleepiness make clinical assessment especially worthwhile.

Can I have OSA if I am not overweight?
Yes. Body weight is one risk factor, but OSA also occurs in people who are not overweight.

Will I need CPAP for life?
Not necessarily. Treatment needs can change, but any decision to reduce or stop CPAP should follow clinical review and, when appropriate, repeat testing.

Can a sleep study be done at home?
Yes, for suitable patients. Our team can explain the Level 2 home sleep study and whether it fits your clinical needs.