Anxiety and Sleep: How to Improve Your Sleep Quality
Do Not Try Too Hard to Sleep Let sleep come to you when the timing is right. Keep a regular daily routine, with consistent times for eating, sleeping, and other activities. Learn relaxation techniques to help calm your mind. Avoid staying in bed awake for too long—if you’re still awake after 20 minutes, get […]
Sleep Hygiene: Tips for Better Sleep
Go to Bed and Wake Up at the Same Time Each Day Setting your internal body clock can help build a strong sleep-wake cycle. Going to bed and getting up at similar times is beneficial. This applies to both weekdays and weekends. Improve Your Sleep Environment The bedroom should be quiet, dark, and comfortable—not too […]
Understanding Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)? Patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have repeated episodes of partial or complete obstruction of the throat (upper airway) during sleep. A narrow floppy throat is also more likely to vibrate during sleep, which causes snoring. If partial or complete obstructions occur, breathing is reduced or stops for a […]
Common Sleep Problems
Insomnia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options Insomnia is when it is hard to get to sleep or stay asleep. It can be due to discomfort from an illness, it can be feeling upset or perhaps sad or stressed. In these cases, what needs to be done is to get rid of the cause. But in […]
RFT Pamphlet
Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET) CPET involves measurements of the cardiac, metabolic, and respiratory systems while the patient exercises to maximum capacity. CPET may be a useful tool for the following: Assessing the risk to patients having surgery (perioperative assessment) Determining causes for unexplained dyspnoea Assessing the contribution of cardiac or respiratory causes to incapacity Quantifying […]
Respiratory Function Testing
Introduction Although respiratory function tests are an integral part of the diagnosis and management of respiratory diseases, they are not diagnostic for any given disease. Respiratory function tests may be able to identify and quantify respiratory system functional abnormalities years before other investigations become abnormal or patients become worried about their symptoms (Figure 1). […]
Is Lung Cancer Screening Right for Me? A Comprehensive Guide
Is Lung Cancer Screening Right for Me? A Comprehensive Guide If you’ve smoked for many years, you may be wondering if lung cancer screening is right for you. This guide will help you understand the benefits, risks, and eligibility criteria for low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) lung cancer screening. Use this information to have an informed […]
Pleural Diseases: Causes, Investigations, and Management
Pleural diseases and investigations (RACP lecture) Introduction The pleural space contains 10-25 millilitres of fluid Created in the pleural capillaries and lymphatics, largely reabsorbed via the lymphatics of the parietal pleura > 3000 /million population develop pleural effusion each year There are 60 different causes of pleural effusions Left ventricular failure is the most common […]
Combination Therapy in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH): Insights for Australian Health Professionals
Overview of Combination Therapy in PAH Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) is a progressive, life-threatening disease that leads to right heart failure and reduced survival. Despite advancements in monotherapy, combination therapy has become the preferred approach in Australia, as supported by the Pulmonary Hypertension Society of Australia and New Zealand (PHSANZ) guidelines. The AMBITION trial (Post-hoc […]
Shift Work Sleep Disorder (SWSD): Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
What Is Shift Work Sleep Disorder? Shift Work Sleep Disorder (SWSD) is a condition that affects individuals working non-traditional hours, such as night shifts, rotating shifts, or early morning shifts. It disrupts the body’s circadian rhythm, leading to insomnia, excessive sleepiness, and long-term health issues. 🔹 Did you know? Around 10% of shift workers experience […]