Loading symptom information
A condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Causes loud snoring, daytime sleepiness, and increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
There are several possible causes. Here are the most common ones:
Throat muscles relax excessively during sleep, blocking the airway.
You might suspect this if you have:
Brain doesn't send proper signals to breathing muscles.
You might suspect this if you have:
Important: This information is for general guidance only and should not be used to self-diagnose. A doctor can properly assess your symptoms and provide appropriate advice.
Call 000 or go to Emergency immediately
Sleep apnoea is one of the most underdiagnosed conditions in Australia — up to 80% of moderate-to-severe cases remain undiagnosed. The classic presentation is a middle-aged, overweight male with loud snoring and daytime sleepiness, but it affects women too (particularly after menopause) and can occur at any weight. Via telehealth, I can screen using validated questionnaires (STOP-BANG, Epworth Sleepiness Scale), arrange home sleep study referrals, and discuss treatment options. The most important reason to diagnose and treat OSA is cardiovascular risk reduction — untreated severe OSA doubles the risk of heart attack and stroke. CPAP compliance is the main challenge, but modern machines are quieter, smaller, and more comfortable than older models.
Medical certificate guidance: Untreated severe OSA with excessive daytime sleepiness is a safety risk for driving and operating machinery. A certificate may be appropriate while awaiting diagnosis and treatment initiation.
All clinical decisions are made by AHPRA-registered doctors following our clinical governance framework. We never automate clinical decisions.
A sleep study (polysomnography) is the gold standard. Home-based sleep studies are now available and are more convenient. Your GP can arrange a referral.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure — a machine that gently blows air through a mask to keep your airway open during sleep. It is the most effective treatment for moderate-severe OSA.
Untreated OSA significantly increases risk of heart attack, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and car accidents (due to daytime sleepiness). Treatment with CPAP dramatically reduces these risks.
If your symptoms are keeping you from work or study, you can request a medical certificate through InstantMed. A doctor will review your symptoms and issue a certificate if clinically appropriate — typically for 1 to 3 days depending on severity. You don't need to be dramatically unwell; feeling genuinely too rough to function is reason enough.
Yes. Australian-registered doctors can assess your symptoms and issue valid medical certificates via telehealth. You fill in a detailed health questionnaire, a doctor reviews it, and if appropriate, your certificate is delivered digitally. No waiting room required.
You complete a structured health questionnaire covering your symptoms, duration, severity, and relevant medical history. The reviewing doctor uses this information — the same clinical reasoning they'd apply in a face-to-face consult — to determine whether a certificate, advice, or referral is appropriate.
A medical certificate covers the period stated on the document. If your symptoms worsen or don't improve as expected, you should see a GP in person or visit your nearest emergency department if it's urgent. Your certificate doesn't replace ongoing care — it's a point-in-time clinical assessment.
In some cases, yes. If a doctor reviewing your request determines that a common, non-restricted treatment is appropriate, they may issue a prescription as part of a consultation. Not all symptoms require or qualify for a prescription — the doctor will advise you on next steps.
Medical certificates are typically issued in under 30 minutes, available 24/7. Other requests are reviewed within 1–2 hours during operating hours (8am–10pm AEST, 7 days). You'll receive an email notification once your request has been reviewed.
If your symptoms suggest something that requires a physical examination, diagnostic tests, or specialist referral, the doctor will let you know and recommend appropriate next steps. Your safety is the priority — telehealth is a great option for many things, but it's not a replacement for hands-on assessment when that's what's needed.
No Medicare card is required for medical certificates. If you're requesting a prescription or consultation, a valid Medicare card is needed. Our service is private and does not attract a Medicare rebate, though any prescriptions issued can still attract PBS subsidies at the pharmacy.
Persistent tiredness or exhaustion that doesn't improve with rest. Can significantly impact work, relationships, and quality of life.
Pain in any region of the head, ranging from sharp to dull, that may occur with other symptoms. One of the most common health complaints.
Our Australian-registered doctors can assess your symptoms and provide advice, treatment, or medical certificates if needed.
Get assessedThis information is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your health. Content on this page has been reviewed by AHPRA-registered Australian doctors but does not replace a personalised medical consultation.