Sleep Apnoea Assessment & Referrals Online

What is sleep apnoea?

Sleep apnoea is a condition in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. The most common form is obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), where the throat muscles relax and block the airway. Central sleep apnoea, a less common form, involves the brain not sending proper signals to the breathing muscles.

Untreated sleep apnoea can contribute to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, daytime fatigue, and increased risk of accidents. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve quality of life.

How a telehealth GP can help

A NewDoc GP can assess your risk of sleep apnoea using validated screening tools (such as the STOP-BANG or Epworth Sleepiness Scale), order a sleep study, and refer you to a sleep physician or respiratory specialist if indicated. Your GP can also address contributing factors such as weight, alcohol use, and nasal congestion.

After a diagnosis, your GP can coordinate ongoing care, review CPAP adherence, manage related conditions (such as hypertension), and arrange follow-up reviews with specialists.

Risk factors for sleep apnoea

A number of factors are associated with a higher likelihood of sleep apnoea. Excess body weight, a large neck circumference, and being male are commonly recognised risk factors, though sleep apnoea can affect people of any body type or gender. Age is also relevant, with prevalence increasing in middle and older age.

Anatomical factors such as nasal obstruction, enlarged tonsils, or a narrow upper airway may contribute. Family history, smoking, alcohol use (particularly in the evening), and certain sedative medications may also be associated. Conditions such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease commonly coexist with sleep apnoea and can influence the threshold for investigation.

Treatment options for sleep apnoea

Treatment is typically guided by the sleep study findings and severity. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is the most established treatment for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnoea. It works by delivering steady airflow to keep the upper airway open during sleep, and is usually set up and titrated by a sleep provider.

Other options may include oral mandibular advancement devices fitted by a dentist with an interest in sleep, positional therapy, and, in selected cases, surgical approaches. Weight management, reducing evening alcohol, smoking cessation, and treating nasal congestion can all help. Our weight management page covers GP-led support for metabolic health.

Overlapping sleep issues such as insomnia are common and can affect treatment adherence. Your GP can help address these alongside sleep apnoea management. Blood tests via our pathology referrals may be ordered for related conditions.

Monitoring and follow-up

Once treatment is underway, ongoing review helps check tolerance, symptom response, and whether any adjustments are needed. For CPAP users, adherence, mask fit, and device data are often reviewed by the sleep provider. Your GP can coordinate care, review cardiovascular and metabolic risks, update referrals, and arrange repeat sleep studies over time if clinically indicated. If you notice worsening daytime sleepiness, increased blood pressure, or concerns about safety (for example while driving), raise these with your GP promptly.