New Zealand Sleep Specialists Need Urgent Review of Sleep Apnea Services

Saturday, October 30th, 2010 at 11:22 AM

New Zealand Sleep Specialists are calling for an urgent review of sleep services following the announcement that up to ten per cent of the adult population has sleep apnea, and the majority are undiagnosed.

“New Zealand Sleep Services are poorly resourced to deal with the current burden of disease. Most obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) remains unrecognised, which is of huge concern given the known consequences of untreated OSA”, says Dr Michael Hlavac, Sleep Specialist at Christchurch Hospital and Chair of the New Zealand branch of the Australasian Sleep Association.

“Sleep apnea is associated with serious medical consequences, including heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure and diabetes.

“Even more concerning is the increased rates of sleep apnoea in Maori and Pacific people, who are much less able to access health services, and generally have more severe disease.

Dr Hlavac went on to say, “A recent economic analysis has shown that untreated sleep apnea costs NZ an estimated NZ$40 million per year, whereas diagnosing and treating OSA is one of the most cost-effective interventions in the health system.

“Health Authorities and the government need to be aware of this significant health issue and develop resources so New Zealanders can be diagnosed and treated.

“We also need resources to educate the general population and health workers about sleep apnea. If you wake feeling tired each day or if hear your partner stop breathing when they are asleep and then briefly wake gasping for breath they need to see a doctor”.

New Zealand sleep specialists are currently developing a National Strategy to increase awareness of OSA and other sleep disorders. Once completed they hope to meet with government officials and health authorities to discuss implementing the strategy.