Frequently Asked Questions
These FAQs address some of the most common questions patients ask about sleep health and our services.
What symptoms suggest I might have a sleep disorder?
Sleep Disordered Breathing refers to a group of conditions where breathing repeatedly changes, can become abnormal in pattern or is regularly interrupted during sleep. Key symptoms include, however are not limited to:
-Loud Snoring
-Gasping or feeling a sensation of choking during sleep
-Short or long pauses in breathing
-Restless sleep, with frequent awakenings
-Daytime fatigue after “full” nights’ sleep
-Unexplained morning headaches
These symptoms disrupt sleep quality, often leading to health issues. Early detection with a referral for diagnosis, and treatment if required can greatly improve sleep quality, quality of life, and overall health.
What happens during an overnight sleep test?
There are two types of overnight sleep tests. In hospital PSG (polysomnography) or Home Sleep Tests. In hospital testing involves an overnight stay, with electrode sensors monitoring brain waves, heart rate, breathing patterns, oxygen levels, eye and leg movements, and body position, overnight.
Home sleep testing can vary in terms of the equipment required, as there are several home sleep testing systems, all with the goal of capturing detailed overnight data. Sensors placed on the finger, often chest leads and an oxygen cannula may be used, dependent on which test is specifically used.
During the test you will hopefully sleep as you normally do, while your sleep stages and any disruptions are monitored. Following your overnight test, a specialist respiratory technologist will assess and score your test results, which will be further assessed and reviewed by the Consultant who ordered the test here in the Beacon Consultants Sleep Health Clinic.
If sleep disordered breathing is diagnosed, treatment will be recommended to manage the diagnosis.
How is Sleep Apnea and snoring treated?
Many people live with disrupted sleep for years before receiving the correct assessment and diagnosis. Patient symptoms and presentations may be similar, however vary widely, so there is no one exact treatment which suits everyone, and we understand this.
At the Beacon Consultants Sleep Health Clinic, Sleep Apnoea and Snoring are treated through our Multidisciplinary Sleep Health service. We deliver timely patient assessments and personalised treatment options.
The service is delivered by Respiratory Sleep Medicine, ENT (Ear Nose and Throat), specialist Oral Appliance therapy, also known as Mandibular Advancement Device therapy (MAD), Cognitive Behavioural therapy and Nutrition, all providing coordinated patient care.
If you believe you are experiencing Sleep Disordered Breathing or seeking further treatment for a diagnosis, speak to your GP and request a referral to: info@beaconSHC.ie
What is a CPAP Machine, and do I need one?
A CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine delivers steady pressurised air via a mask to keep your airway open during sleep, it is effective in treating moderate-to severe sleep apnea by preventing collapses that cause breathing pauses, snoring, and oxygen drops.
In some cases, CPAP machines are clinically necessary for optimal control and to reduce serious risks like heart disease. Many patients respond well to less invasive alternatives, especially if intolerant of CPAP; we offer options such as Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT), which uses custom, adjustable devices to reposition the lower jaw and tongue, supporting the airway for oxygen flow treating mild-to-moderate obstructive sleep apnea or primary snoring.
The clinically appropriate treatment for each patient is decided on a case-by-case basis by our Respiratory Physicians, ENT surgeons, or specialist, in collaboration with our Dental Sleep Medicine Clinicians who lead Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) selection, management, and follow-up to optimise your symptoms, sleep quality, and health.
How long does it take to receive my results from a sleep study?
Results are typically scored by a technologist within days and reviewed by a clinician shortly after, enabling prompt discussion of findings and next steps like treatment where sleep disordered breathing is detected.
Can lifestyle or diet change or effect my sleep apnea?
Yes, weight loss, side-sleeping, reduced alcohol, and improved nutrition often improve symptoms snoring by easing airway strain; our Sleep service integrates these approaches via personalised, medically delivered treatment pathways.
I wake up with a headache every morning and can't figure out why?
Morning headaches often stem from sleep disordered breathing like Apnea, caused by overnight oxygen dips and CO2 buildup from breathing interruptions. If you are suffering from morning headaches possibly related to sleep apnea, track your symptoms in a sleep diary and contact your GP or health professional for the possibility of referral and further assessment.
Why do I wake up feeling so tired despite sleeping?
Waking up tired despite getting to sleep easily often signals un-refreshing sleep from disruptions like apneas or other sleep disordered breathing. This absence of restorative rest can cause persistent daytime fatigue.
This poor sleep quality is a common red flag; track patterns in a sleep diary and speak to your GP for referral to a sleep assessment, if applicable, timely diagnosis and treatments can substantially improve disordered sleep related symptoms.
I make noise when I sleep, and it's driving my partner out of the room; how can we fix this?
Loud snoring often signals sleep disordered breathing like apnea, disrupting shared sleep and relationships; effecting both your, and your partners quality of life.
Our multidisciplinary Sleep Health service offers timely assessments and personalised treatments across Respiratory Sleep Medicine, ENT interventions, Oral Appliance Therapy, and more—applied when clinically appropriate—to restore restful nights together; speak to your GP or health professional for referral.
