Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) involves repeated episodes of airway obstruction during sleep, due to relaxation of the tongue and airway-muscles. OSA is commonly associated with snoring

Common symptoms of OSA are snoring, waking unrefreshed, daytime tiredness, and waking during the night choking or gasping for air. However, many people are unaware that they have the condition.

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The continuous cycle of breathing cessation and arousal from sleep that occurs in patients with OSA results in poor sleep-quality, excessive daytime tiredness, and contributes to a large number of other health problems, including:

• Obesity - excessive daytime tiredness and metabolic changes that occur in patients with sleep apnoea make it particularly difficult to lose weight

• Cardiovascular disease - through a variety of complex mechanisms, OSA may contribute to high blood pressure, stroke and other serious heart conditions. These risks can be significantly improved by successful treatment of OSA.

• Diabetes and insulin resistance - patients with diabetes and OSA can frequently improve their diabetic control if their OSA is correctly treated. Many patients with OSA (even those without diabetes) have impaired glucose tolerance and increased glucose levels.

• Cognitive function and quality of life – prolonged periods of poor sleep and sleep-deprivation in OSA sufferers can lead to impaired memory and concentration, mood and behavioural changes. OSA sufferers who are excessively sleepy during the day are also at high risk of motor vehicle accidents. Daytime tiredness can also affect study, work performance and personal relationships.

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OSA treatment depends on the individual and the severity of the condition. For moderate and severe OSA, the best treatment is usually CPAP – Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. CPAP treatment involves using a small machine to pump air at a continuous pressure through a mask worn over your mouth, nose or both. This pressure acts as a pneumatic splint to the airway - holding it open and preventing it from closing during sleep - while still allowing for normal breathing.

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Weight-loss is important for if overweight. In many cases, weight loss will not cure sleep apnoea, but it can significantly reduce its severity (sometimes to such an extent that other treatments are not required).  Weight-reduction can also make it possible to reduce the level of pressure needed with CPAP treatment.

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Kerryn has had extensive experience working with people suffering from sleep apnoea. She has been involved in the Sleeping Well Study run by Monash University helping people lose weight and improve their condition.