Sleep & Respiratory Services

Sleep Medicine specialists assist with insomnia, snoring and sleep apnoea

Respiratory specialists commonly assist with chronic cough, asthma, bronchiectasis, COPD, and lung cancer.

Respiratory Medicine

A range of conditions affect the respiratory system. Common problems include asthma, involving inflammation of the bronchi, which makes them swell, narrowing the airways. Sleep apnoea is characterised by a reduction or pause of airflow during sleep. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is any disorder that persistently obstructs bronchial airflow.

Sleep Medicine

Over 100 different disorders of sleeping and waking have been identified, grouped in four main categories: problems with falling and staying asleep (insomnia); problems with staying awake (excessive daytime sleepiness); problems with keeping to a regular sleep schedule (sleep rhythm problem); and unusual behaviours during sleep (sleep-disruptive behaviours, e.g. sleep walking). Tests and treatment vary and depend on the specific sleep disorder.

Snoring/OSA (Specialists)

Snoring can sometimes be a sign of a sleep disorder called obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Apnoea involves periods when you partly or completely stop breathing for more than 10 seconds while asleep. The episode is followed by a sudden gasp or snort when breathing resumes. Then, snoring starts again. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is a common treatment. CPAP is delivered by a machine with a tight-fitting face mask. It aims to decrease snoring and prevent sleep apnoea.