Dr Desai, Sleep and Respiratory Physician, was filmed as an independent Sleep Physician expert for a TV segment on A Current Affair, which aired Friday 24 November 2017.
The segment discussed a new oral appliance available to treat obstructve sleep apnoea - Oventus O2Vent.
Although potentially promising as a new treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea, Dr Desai made the point that there is only one (industry funded) published study supporting the use of this device to date and far more research is required to know whether it will be effective to treat obstructive sleep apnoea and if so, which patients might benefit.
Dr Desai, Sleep and Respiratory Physician, and Rosemary Clancy, Clinical Sleep Psychologist, participated in a large educational form for GP's at the Sheraton Hotel in Sydney on Saturday 18 November 2017. Associate Professor Goldin, Respiratory and Sleep Disorders Physician from Royal Melbourne Hospital, and Dr Nava Zisapel, Professor of Biochemistry at Tel Aviv University, Israel, both flew in to make the Forum the highlight of Sydney Sleep Centre's GP Educational activities for the year:
Dr Jeremy Goldin “Sleep Medicine – Wake up, it is not all about sleep apnoea”
Dr Anup Desai “Insomnia – Assessment and Management”
Dr Nava Zisapel “Current and future pharmacological management of sleep disorders”
Ms Rosemary Clancy The utilisation of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) in Insomnia management – a case based discussion
Over 100 GP's attended and the Forum was oversubscribed. The Forum was generously sponsored by Aspen Pharmaceutical.
An article in the Sydney Morining Herald in November 2017 sums up well the importance of good sleep. In the article, the BHP CEO, Andrew McKenzie, explains that working when not well rested is less efficient and less productive. He states, "A rested Andrew can do more in four hours than a tired Andrew can do in eight". He then adds, "It's not only diminishing returns, [not being rested] is like a scorpion's tail; it can undo things,".
The importance of adequate sleep hours and good sleep quality is consistent with sleep research on the importance of sleep for productivity in the workplace. These are important messages for everyone to be aware of and for key influencers, such as Senior Executives, to reinforce and propogate in their organisations.
"A recent study by Deloitte Access Economics found 39.8 per cent of Australians did not get enough sleep and that sleep deprivation cost the economy an estimated $66.3 billion in health bills, lost productivity and wellbeing in 2016-17. Lost productivity included "presenteeism", where workers were present at work but too tired to be productive."
Good sleep involves adequate sleep hours (often more than you think) and the treatment of any sleep disorders that may be fragmenting sleep. There are many sleep disorders that can fragment and limit sleep and these are discussed elsewhere in our website in the section on "Sleep Disorders". Many sleep disorders are unrecognised or unaddressed by patients and it is important to discuss possible symptoms of these conditions with your doctor to receive help sooner, rather than later. Important clinical clues to a sleep disorder include daytime fatigue, poor concentration, poor attention, daytime sleepiness, and night time symptoms of snoring, gasping in sleep or repeated awakenings overnight.