Sleep Health

As more people complain of fatigue or daytime sleepiness, it is important to look at Sleep Health. This is especially important in people living with chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and heart disease.
Obstructive sleep apnoea affects around 6% of the general population but this increases up to 70% in people with obesity. Correct diagnosis and management of sleep apnea reduces the risk for future cardiovascular disease.
Diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnoea is done with a home based, overnight sleep test. For any more complex test or other sleep disorder, patients will be referred to Dr Bentley to consider a formal overnight sleep study.
Dr Angela Murphy has completed the accredited South African Society for Sleep and Health course on sleep apnoea. The prevalence of obstructive sleep apnoea is increased in diabetic and obese populations and Dr Murphy believes more patients need to be screened.
The STOP-BANG and EPWORTH SLEEPINESS SCALE are two of the questionnaires which help screen for sleep apnoea.