The sweet science of sleep

Sleep is a fundamental aspect of human life, essential for physical health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life. While it may seem like a period of inactivity, sleep is a complex process that involves intricate neurological and physiological mechanisms. It’s during sleep that our bodies repair tissues, consolidate memories, and regulate hormones crucial for immune function.

However, not everyone experiences restful sleep effortlessly. For many, sleep disorders can disrupt this natural cycle, leading to persistent issues like excessive daytime sleepiness, difficulty breathing, or uncontrollable limb movements. Identifying and addressing these disorders is crucial for maintaining optimal health and productivity.

Understanding Sleep Studies and Disorders

What is a Sleep Study?

A Sleep Study is an overnight analysis of your sleep patterns to diagnose and evaluate sleep disorders. This thorough examination helps identify any issues that may be interfering with restful sleep. Often recommended for conditions like Sleep Apnoea, a Sleep Study is essential for anyone experiencing persistent sleep problems. Your General Practitioner can refer you for this crucial evaluation.

Sleep Study Snapshot

Functions Monitored During a Sleep Study:

Breathing
Oxygen levels
Brain activity
Cardiac activity
Body movements

Understanding sleep disorders and their treatments can greatly improve your quality of life. If you suspect a sleep disorder, consult your GP for a referral to a sleep specialist. Sweet dreams await!

Common Sleep Disorders

Snoring

Snoring is more than just an annoying sound; it’s a sleep and breathing disorder caused by partial obstruction of the upper airways. The noisy breathing occurs as the muscles of the upper airway relax during sleep. Interestingly, up to 30% of the population are habitual snorers.

Contributing Factors to Snoring:

Age: Muscle tone in the throat diminishes with age.
Weight: Excess fat can compress the throat.
Nasal Issues: Deviated septum or nasal polyps.
Tonsils/Adenoids: Enlarged tonsils or adenoids.
Lifestyle: Alcohol, certain medications, sleeping position, and stress.

When Snoring Indicates a Serious Problem

Loud snoring with breathing pauses can signal Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA). OSA involves repetitive breathing pauses due to airway collapse, often leading to severe health issues if untreated. If you snore loudly and experience frequent awakenings, a Sleep Study can help diagnose the problem.

Treatments for Snoring:

Weight reduction
Quit smoking
Clear nasal passages
Elevate the head of the bed
Reduce alcohol consumption before bed
Check thyroid functions

Did You Know?
Up to 30% of the population are habitual snorers.

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)

OSA is a potentially life-threatening condition characterised by repeated breathing interruptions during sleep. These pauses lower blood oxygen levels and cause frequent awakenings.

Symptoms of OSA:

Loud, repetitive snoring
Choking or gasping during sleep
Excessive daytime sleepiness
Impaired concentration

Early diagnosis and treatment of OSA are vital to prevent associated risks like heart attack, stroke, and accidents due to sleepiness.

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) and Periodic Limb Movements (PLMs)

RLS involves unpleasant leg sensations and an irresistible urge to move the legs, often disrupting sleep. It can also be accompanied by PLMs, involuntary leg jerks during sleep that disturb rest.

Causes of RLS:

Family history
Pregnancy
Low iron levels or anaemia
Chronic diseases (e.g., kidney failure, diabetes)

Managing RLS:

Mild cases may improve with lifestyle changes like reducing caffeine, taking hot baths, and exercising. Severe cases often require medication.

Quick Fact
RLS often worsens in the evening and night, making sleep difficult.

Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a rare but serious condition causing excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden sleep attacks. It affects about 0.05% of the population and usually starts in adolescence.

Signs of Narcolepsy:

Severe daytime sleepiness
Sudden muscle weakness (cataplexy)
Vivid dreams or hallucinations
Sleep paralysis

Though there’s no cure, treatments can help manage symptoms. If you experience these signs, a referral to a sleep specialist is recommended.

Insomnia

Insomnia affects over a third of people at some point, causing poor quality sleep and daytime impairment. It can be short-term, linked to stress or jet lag, or long-term, often due to medical conditions or chronic stress.

Types of Insomnia:

Short-Term: Lasts a few days to a month.
Long-Term: Lasts longer than a month, often secondary to other conditions.

Treating Insomnia:

Behavioural Therapy: Changing sleep habits and attitudes.
Sleep Hygiene: Establishing a regular sleep schedule and creating a restful environment.
Medication: Short-term use of sleep aids under medical supervision.

Beyond bedding: Essential accessories for better sleep

Pillow Perfection

The TEMPUR Ombracio™ pillow is crafted with precision to provide tailored support and personal comfort, utilising cutting-edge TEMPUR® Material originally developed by NASA. This innovative pillow design not only adapts to your natural curvature but also enhances pressure relief through billions of ultra-sensitive cells embedded within its structure.

Ideal for those who prefer to sleep on their stomachs or enjoy hugging their pillow, the Ombracio pillow features a unique four-notch cloverleaf shape

RRP $389.00

Restore 2 White Noise Machine

From soothing sleep sounds and calming colours at night to a gentle sunrise alarm in the morning, Restore helps you create your healthiest sleep habits.

RRP $350.00

Neptune Weighted Blanket

Weighted blankets can help promote better sleep quality and may become an invaluable tool if you live with insomnia or another sleep-related condition.

RRP from $189.00

Baxter Blue Sleep Mask

Enjoy a deeper, undisturbed sleep and wake up feeling rested and rejuvenated with a Sleep Mask. Designed to block out 100% of light, this Sleep Mask allows your body to unwind after a long day and naturally drift off into a peaceful, deep slumber.

RRP $55.00

Sleep technology

Sleep Trackers

If you struggle to get enough shut eye, tracking could help you better understand your sleeping patterns and help improve the quality of your sleep.

Sleep trackers come in all shapes and sizes, from wearables to devices on your bedside table to the bed itself.

Fitbit Inspire 3

RRP $179.00

Oura Ring Gen 3

RRP from $450.00

Whoop

Monthly subscription service

Withings Sleep Analyser

Withings Sleep Analyser is a sleep sensor placed under the mattress at chest level with a one-time setup. It contains two sensors: a sound sensor that identifies audio signals specific to snoring & cessation of breathing episodes, and a pneumatic sensor that measures your respiratory rate, heart beats via ballistocardiography, and body movements across the mattress.

RRP $149.00

Smart bulbs for a better sleep

LED smart lights like the LIFX White to Warm and Colour bulbs, offer the ability to enhance your circadian rhythm. These lights can simulate daylight by starting with bright whites in the morning and transitioning to warm ambers later in the day. They function as both a wake-up light alarm clock in the morning and soothing night lights in the evening, tailored to support your individual sleep patterns and overall well-being.

RRP $59.00