TWO in three adults (66%) are living with at least one sleep-related problem, hugely affecting their daily lives and overall health.
Poor sleep is a known cause that exacerbates chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and mental health issues.
During Sleep Health Week (05-09 Aug), Lanyon Pharmacy is urging Canberra residents to prioritise their sleep for better health.
Pharmacist and Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) facilitator Farzana Yousaf (pictured) highlighted the overlooked issue of sleep apnoea, a condition that can cause high blood pressure, weight gain, depression, and anxiety.
"It's crucial to diagnose and treat sleep apnoea early to improve these conditions," Yousaf told Pharmacy Daily.
Yousaf encourages anyone with sleep concerns to visit their pharmacy for advice.
"The immediate results of sleep diagnosis and treatment are rewarding, not just for patients but for their families as well," she said.
Lanyon Pharmacy offers home sleep studies, patient coordination, communication, reporting, and access to CPAP equipment, explained Yousaf.
She also noted that many couples sleep in separate rooms due to one partner's sleep issues, with snoring being a primary target of their sleep apnoea program.
"Sleeping through the night helps patients focus more on work and daily activities, providing them with sustained energy for an active life," she added.
Canberra father John Wilson struggled with severe sleep apnoea for 24 years before seeking treatment at Lanyon Pharmacy.
"The results have been progressively good for me - the immediate elimination of my horrific snoring was a big plus," remarked Wilson.
"I've noticed I'm not as fatigued during the day, and I feel more functional," he added.
The Sleep Health Week's theme, 'Pathways to Better Sleep', emphasises the impact of sleep health on overall wellbeing, and is raising awareness that while more men suffer from sleep apnoea, women are prone to insomnia. JG
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 08 Aug 24
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