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Do you have this common sleep disorder?
Do you have this common sleep disorder?
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Here’s a handful of easy-to-spot signs so you can get help quickly.

If you don’t know much about obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) then you aren’t alone. Almost three million1 Australians currently have it yet an estimated four out of five of these are undiagnosed. That’s millions of people who could be on track to getting better quality sleep, feeling better, having more energy and enjoying life more.

The good news is it is easier than you’d think to spot a potential issue. If you or someone you love has any of these five common symptoms, then the next step is to do a quick online quiz to discover if you are in a high-risk category or not. Click here to do the free multiple-choice quiz.

So, what is obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA)? The simple explanation is that OSA is when a person stops breathing while asleep for a period of ten seconds or more when their upper airway repeatedly collapses. This can include the experience of uncomfortable and terrifying choking/gasping for air whilst asleep.

There are several potential signs and symptoms you may have it, including regular and loud snoring, stubborn and unexplained morning headaches, regular daytime sleepiness, being over your healthy BMI, being middle-aged or older, smoking, suffering from type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or depression.

Do you suffer from any of these 5 common symptoms?

SYMPTOM 1: Painful jaw and teeth
SYMPTOM 1: Painful jaw and teeth
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This is a common sign that you may have OSA. Suffering from teeth grinding or Bruxism is also often related to OSA so if you know you grind your teeth or your dentist has told you it is an issue for you then it is worth investigating. Chronic and regular morning headaches are another potentially related symptom. In simple terms, these occur because the person is getting less oxygen so blood vessels widen which in turn can cause vascular headaches.

SYMPTOM 2: Dry Mouth or sore throat upon waking up
SYMPTOM 2: Dry Mouth or sore throat upon waking up
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If a person sleeps with an open mouth and tends to breathe through their mouth rather than their nose, this is the simple reason for a dry mouth upon waking. Chronic breathing through the mouth can also lead to a sore throat. Morning dehydration can occur if a person’s body is starved of oxygen leading them to consume more water. Other symptoms of OSA can include night sweats and frequent urination at night which can further increase dehydration.

SYMPTOM 3: Frequent visits to the bathroom throughout the night
SYMPTOM 3: Frequent visits to the bathroom throughout the night
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While one or two visits to the toilet after bedtime is considered normal, if a person is exceeding this regularly it can be a sign of OSA. Why? When a person wakes up to breathe because of OSA their brain sends a message telling their heart to excrete a protein which signals to their body to urinate or to get rid of water and sodium. Then that person feels the need to go to the bathroom.

SYMPTOM 4: Irritability or mood changes
SYMPTOM 4: Irritability or mood changes
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Lack of good and regular restful REM sleep can impact massively on a person’s physical and mental health. In fact, OSA can increase the risk of suffering from general irritability, mood change, loss of interest in sex to full-blown depression.

SYMPTOM 5: Recurrent awakenings or insomnia
SYMPTOM 5: Recurrent awakenings or insomnia

Regardless of how much sleep a person has clocked up, if they have OSA then this will have included a multitude of awakenings (even if they are not conscious of it). This means a healthy sleep pattern is not being achieved. Studies have shown OSA is also related to an increased risk of insomnia which means trouble getting to or staying asleep.

Does this sound like you or someone you love? Discover if you’re at risk of OSA by doing a free sleep quiz at pharmacysleepservices.com.au/sleepquiz

You can also receive a $50 voucher* for a home sleep test if you are potentially at risk.

If you’d prefer to speak to someone at your local PSS pharmacy then find your closest pharmacy here (pharmacysleepservices.com.au/store-locator) and begin your journey towards dealing with OSA and begin waking up recharged again.

1 References available here

*Terms & conditions apply.

This is a sponsored article produced in partnership with Pharmacy Sleep Services.