Many people in New Zealand experience poor quality sleep, and some may have a sleep disorder known as Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA).

OSA occurs when the soft tissues in the throat relax during sleep and partially block the airway, causing interruptions in breathing. People with OSA may briefly wake during the night without remembering, leading to disrupted sleep.

Common symptoms of sleep apnoea may include:

• Loud or persistent snoring

• Daytime fatigue or sleepiness

• Waking up feeling unrefreshed

• Morning headaches

• Interrupted sleep

Untreated sleep apnoea may be associated with other health concerns such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease.

Sleep Apnoea Screening & Equipment Support

At Mercury Bay Pharmacy, we offer services that may help identify whether you should seek further assessment for sleep apnoea.

Our service may include:

• Home sleep monitoring using a take-home device, with results reviewed by a sleep specialist

• Advice about Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy, which helps keep airways open during sleep

• Supply and fitting of CPAP masks and machines

• Short-term hire of CPAP equipment, which can be useful when travelling

If the monitoring results suggest possible sleep apnoea, you may be referred to a sleep specialist or your doctor for diagnosis and further management.

If you are concerned about snoring, poor sleep, or possible sleep apnoea, speak with the team at Mercury Bay Pharmacy for more information.