MYTH-BUSTING “I SLEEP FINE — I DON’T HAVE SLEEP APNOEA” IS ONE OF THE MOST COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS —

Even among patients with severe obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Studies show up to 20–30% of patients with severe OSA may not experience daytime symptoms like fatigue or sleepiness, yet their
oxygen levels crash multiple times per hour.

HIDDEN HYPOXIA: THE REAL RISK

• Even symptom-free OSA can cause:
• Elevated nocturnal heart rate
• Cardiovascular strain
• Pulmonary hypertension
• Right heart failure (if untreated)

GENDER MATTERS
Women are more likely to wake during apnoeic events and report fatigue or insomnia, while men
may sleep through episodes and appear asymptomatic—often brought in by a partner.

REFERRAL ESSENTIALS
Refer for a sleep study if your patient has:
• Cardiovascular disease
• Stroke or TIA
• Pulmonary hypertension
• Obesity with fatigue
• Resistant hypertension
• Type 2 diabetes
• Depression, anxiety, or poor sleep
• Irregular heart rhythm or atrial fibrillation

TREATMENT PATHWAYS
• Weight Loss
• Mandibular Advancement Splints (MAS)
• CPAP Therapy (with proper titration + follow-up)
• ENT Surgery (e.g. UPPP, tonsillectomy)
• Maxillofacial Surgery (for structural abnormalities)

WHY GP REFERRALS TO SLEEP SPECIALISTS MATTER
Sleep specialists provide tailored, accurate diagnoses and management plans. Most in Sydney
perform their own studies with minimal wait times and full Medicare rebates, even if scoring criteria
aren’t met.

MEET YOUR LOCAL SLEEP CARE TEAM

Dr Jian Eu Tai – Respiratory & Sleep Physician
Dr Katherine Duszyk – Respiratory & Sleep Physician
A/Prof Samantha Herath – Respiratory & Sleep Physician

REFER TODAY
Sydney Respiratory Specialist Clinic
Suite 18, Level 1, Parkway SAN Clinic, 172 Fox Valley Road, Wahroonga, NSW 2076

Referrals: HealthLink EDI: sydresps
Tel: 02 9487 8373 | Email: info@sydneyrespiratoryspecialistclinic.com.au