Obstructive sleep apnoea in men

The "Obstructive Sleep Apnoea in Men" course offers a comprehensive understanding of OSA, its associated risks, and practical management approaches through five detailed units:

Unit 1: Definition and Epidemiology
This unit introduces OSA as the most common sleep disorder, discussing its history, definitions, and global prevalence. It explores the Busselton Health Study findings, revealing OSA’s higher prevalence in men compared to women and underlines the disorder's connection to significant health conditions such as heart disease and cognitive dysfunction.

Unit 2: Pathophysiology
Delve into the mechanisms behind OSA, including normal breathing during sleep and the effects of anatomical and non-anatomical factors like obesity, age, and gender. The unit also examines OSA’s bidirectional relationships with conditions like diabetes, atrial fibrillation, and heart failure, offering insights into its complex interactions and health impacts.

Unit 3: Clinical Features and Screening
Learn to recognise OSA’s subjective and objective symptoms, such as daytime fatigue, snoring, and apnoea episodes. This unit reviews screening tools, including the STOP-BANG questionnaire and Epworth Sleepiness Scale, highlighting their utility and limitations. It also explores screening considerations for high-risk populations, such as those in safety-sensitive jobs.

Unit 4: Diagnosis and Evaluation
This unit provides a detailed guide to diagnosing OSA, covering sleep study methodologies, including in-lab and home-based options. It explains diagnostic criteria, associated conditions, and the differentiation of OSA from other disorders like central sleep apnoea. A practical case study illustrates diagnostic principles and risk assessment.

Unit 5: Management Strategies and Advanced Cases
Explore evidence-based management approaches for OSA, including lifestyle modifications, CPAP therapy, and alternative interventions such as mandibular advancement devices and positional therapies. The unit includes real-world cases to demonstrate practical applications and addresses challenges like patient adherence and customisation of treatment plans.

This course equips healthcare professionals with the tools to diagnose, manage, and improve patient outcomes in obstructive sleep apnoea, emphasising holistic and evidence-based care.