Uncover the Secrets to Restful Nights: Tackling Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Transformative Journey: Overcoming Sleep Apnoea

Suzanne Curyer describes her experience with sleep apnoea as nothing short of a life-changing journey. As a senior executive at a not-for-profit organization, she thrived in her role; however, fatigue was a constant companion. Despite spending a solid eight hours in bed each night, Suzanne woke up feeling less than refreshed. "I was walking around in a fog," she recalls. "Concentration was tough, and my energy levels were dangerously low."

Weekends turned into struggles for Suzanne, as the exhaustion made it difficult for her to enjoy social connections. As a single woman at the time, this isolation weighed heavily on her well-being. "I relied on my social networks for support," she admits, illustrating the impact of her undiagnosed condition on her overall happiness.

Unbeknownst to her, Suzanne was grappling with a common sleep disorder known as obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). The condition causes pause in breathing as muscles at the back of the throat momentarily collapse during sleep. This can occur numerous times a night, depriving the body of oxygen and resulting in wakeful gasps for air. Symptoms often include loud snoring, persistent fatigue, and feelings of sleepiness throughout the day.

For Suzanne, her daytime drowsiness left her drained — barely able to fulfill her work responsibilities, let alone engage in social activities. She struggled to maintain her work-life balance: "You put everything into work, but have little left for yourself."

According to experts like Andrew Vakulin from the Adelaide Institute of Sleep Health, OSA affects at least 20% of the adult population, many of whom are blissfully unaware. The consequences of untreated OSA can escalate into serious health issues, including diabetes and depression, and while it’s more prevalent in men and those who are overweight, it doesn't discriminate by age.

If you suspect OSA might be your issue, start with a visit to your GP. Singh explains that recognizing OSA often comes only after extensive engagement with a