Tim Cubis, Owner of Air Liquide Wagga. Photo: Region Riverina.
A good night’s sleep is essential to maintaining our circadian rhythm. This seven-to-nine-hour sleep cycle offers the mind and body a period upon which it can rest, repair, and recharge. Many important functions, from neuro processing and hormone release through to immune activity, are all undertaken in slumber.
Healthy sleep is said to support brain function, improve memory and balance mood. It ensures we wake feeling refreshed, recharged and alert. Without healthy sleep, concentration and memory may be challenged, along with potential negative implications on long term health.
The downside for many of us however is that a good night’s sleep can be hard to come by. While stress may be the culprit for a few nights of restlessness, prolonged periods of disrupted sleep may require further exploration.
Trouble with snoring, breathing, or gasping for air may all be indicators of an underlying sleep disorder. Sleep apnea is one such disorder affecting many Australians. Fortunately, with guidance from a general practitioner and the services of a sleep specialist, a solution is not far away.
What makes a great sleep clinic?
Great sleep clinics pull out all the stops, from diagnostics through to treatment, to help clients achieve a restorative night’s sleep. We think the best sleep clinics have a few things in common:
- Medical connections. Like many health aliments, sleep disorders like sleep apnea require a combined medical effort to address. Hence, the best sleep clinics work hand in hand with a team of local medical experts addressing client need. From general practitioners through to specialised physicians and healthcare professionals, each are instrumental in the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of sleep disorders. Moreover, should further attention or exploration be required, these connections ensure appropriate referrals follow.
- Specialised expertise. Most great sleep clinics effectively cover a broad range of sleep related disorders. However, the key is finding a clinic that offers specialised expertise in the area needed most. Whether this be diagnostic studies, snoring, obstructive sleep apnea or CPAP therapy, a great sleep clinic will work to understand your needs and match accordingly. Importantly, consider whether a clinic can deliver end to end services and products. All inclusive clinics that offer diagnostics, testing, equipment hire, and sales can make long term management more convenient.
- Industry accreditation. The best sleep clinics have worked hard to gain relevant industry accreditations. These accreditations indicate adherence to high standards in service, conduct, and ethics. Here, the peak industry body is the Australasian Sleep Association or ASA. Equally, keep an eye out for clinics that are also accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities or NATA.
- Range of treatment options. When it comes to health, there is no one size fits all approach. Even a given diagnosis, like sleep apnea, ranges in nature and severity, with individual circumstances often dictating need. Some therapies incorporate the use of devices to optimise airway pressure, such as CPAP, Bi-PAP or mandibular products. In this case, look for quality products from the leading manufacturers like ResMed, Fisher & Paykel, and Philips to name but a few. Ultimately, great sleep clinics tailor their treatment plans, offering suitable options for all manner of sleep disorders.
- Ongoing support. Ongoing sleep therapy management is just as important as taking the first initial steps. Subsequently, great sleep clinics extend their services well beyond initial consultations. Here, additional services often include support for periodical checks, reporting, along with equipment maintenance and servicing.
The best sleep clinics in Wagga
Region Riverina has combed through online reviews and recommendations to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.
To be listed in our Best of Wagga series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on Region Riverina and Facebook as well as maintaining a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.
Air Liquide Healthcare Wagga
As one of Australia’s largest facilitators of home-based sleep apnoea studies and therapy, they specialise in delivering end to end solutions for the diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of obstructive sleep apnoea.
Benefitting from this national footprint, Air Liquide Healthcare Wagga have grown to become one of the leading sleep centres in the region. Their integrative approach straddles both diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnoea, providing holistic sleep solutions for clients.
RayRay had this to say on Google, “Tim is a top bloke. When I first walked in the shop I knew absolutely nothing about cpap or sleep apnea but this bloke walked me through everything step by step and has gone above and beyond in helping out and answering questions. Couldn’t thank him enough. Will definitely recommend him to anyone and everyone.”
Goodnight Sleep Solutions
Goodnight Sleep Solutions are a Wagga based sleep clinic specialising in obstructive sleep apnoea. Their comprehensive service offering includes diagnostic assessment and testing, which is supported by the sale of numerous machines, masks, and breathing devices.
Importantly, Goodnight Sleep Solutions are locally affiliated with a number of doctors and other healthcare professionals. With two convenient locations in the Wagga CBD and Glenfield Park, Goodnight Sleep Solutions are a great option.
Your experience with sleep clinics in Wagga
Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.
Have you had experience with any of the sleep clinics listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep-related breathing disorder marked by abnormal breathing patterns. Those with sleep apnea experience repeat episodes of paused breathing, typically ranging from 10 to 90 seconds. Sleep apnea is believed to affect overall sleep quality and can potentially impact long-term health. Generally, the condition is characterised as either obstructive (OSA), central, or mixed sleep apnea. Should you require further information on sleep apnea please consult your health practitioner.
What causes sleep apnea?
It is believed that there are two main reasons why sleep apnea occurs; airway obstruction or a disconnect between the brain and body. Airway obstruction is the most common type, typically causing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA); while a disconnect between brain and body is believed to cause central sleep apnea. For each of these core causes there may be several underlying and contributing factors. For further information please consult your general practitioner.
How is sleep apnea diagnosed?
Should you suspect you have sleep apnea, see your general practitioner. Depending on their assessment you may be referred to a sleep specialist or requested to undertake a sleep study. A sleep study is a medical test typically used to diagnose sleep disorders. It measures a range of elements whilst sleeping such as brain signals, oxygen levels, and heart rate, and can be taken at home or at a sleep clinic.
What treatment is available for sleep apnea?
A range of options exist for the treatment of sleep apnea, which typically depend on the nature and severity experienced. Treatment may range from lifestyle changes, the use of devices, through to surgery. Should any other contributing medical conditions be present, these may also require correction. To find out about available treatment options consult your general practitioner.
Is sleep apnea treatment covered by Medicare?
Some treatment aspects such as a sleep study or continuous positive airway pressure therapy may be partially covered by Medicare in some instances. To better understand options, contact Medicare. Additionally, those with private health insurance are advised to contact their provider to assess coverage and any potential rebates.
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