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The Gold Coast
Sleep Disorders Clinic

Contact Us

159 Nerang St
Southport
Qld 4215

Ph: 07 5527 0555
Fax: 07 5531 1277

The Gold Coast Sleep Disorders Centre (GCSDC) was established by Dr John Corbett (a Consultant Neurologist) and Dr Michael Thompson (a Consultant Respiratory Physician) to perform comprehensive sleep studies and to provide a consultative sleep disorders service.

Some sleep disorders are diagnosed by performing an overnight sleep study at a Sleep Centre. Having a sleep study is painless and there are no side-effects.

After prior clinical consultation by your referring doctor, overnight polysomnograms are performed by fully trained and experienced sleep technicians using digital, state-of-the-art Compumedics sleep software and equipment.

Tiny sensors are applied to the skin of your scalp, face, chest, fingers and legs to enable observation of oxygen levels, breathing, brain waves, eye movements, heart rate, and leg movements. This allows a precise diagnosis to be made of the type of sleep disorders, which are present.

The comfort and safety of patients and the quality of the study is ensured by the fact that a fully trained sleep technician is on duty throughout the night and a medical specialist is on call.

Patients are asked to arrive at the Centre at 7.15 pm. They are provided with a comfortably decorated, air-conditioned room, full bathroom, tea and coffee-making facilities, magazines, television and video. A full continental breakfast is provided and, after consultation with the doctor, the patient is usually free to leave at about 8.00 am.

A preliminary consultation will occur on the morning after your sleep study with a doctor specialising in sleep disorders. A complete analysis of the data will then be performed and a full report sent promptly to your doctor.

Besides providing personal comfort and care to all patients, the Gold Coast Sleep Disorders Centre is proud of its professional standards. It is nationally-accredited, and both Drs Corbett and Thompson are credentialled Sleep Physicians.

SNORING AND
SLEEP APNOEA

Sleep Apnoea is a condition where the sufferer stops breathing intermittently during sleep. This repeatedly interrupts the normal sleep pattern and may cause low oxygen levels.

SYMPTOMS

  • Snoring, grunting during sleep
  • Restless sleep
  • Non-refreshing sleep
  • Headaches on waking
  • Daytime sleepiness
  • Lack of energy and drive
  • Poor memory & reduced concentration
  • Depression
  • Reduced sexual drive or impotence

TREATMENT

If sleep apnoea is confirmed, the choice of treatment depends on the severity of the condition. Possible treatments include:

  • Weight-loss
  • Adjusting body position in sleep
  • Reducing alcohol intake on retiring
  • CPAP therapy
  • Nose or throat surgery
  • Mandibular Advancement Splint

CONSEQUENCES

  • Heart disease
  • Stroke
  • Central obesity
  • Hypertension (high blood pressure)
  • Insulin resistance/diabetes
  • Hyperlipidaemia

Road-safety research shows sufferers have a greatly increased risk of having a road accident. Work-related accidents are also increased.

Note: All images used on these pages are covered under copyright for use exclusively by Corbett Medical Services, SNORE AUSTRALIA and Gold Coast Sleep Disorders Centre.

INSOMNIA

Do you have trouble falling asleep or remaining asleep for an adequate length of time, so that day-time tiredness is virtually permanent? If so you have insomnia.

Insomnia has many causes:

  • Underlying medical disorder
  • Poor sleep hygiene
  • Stress and anxiety
  • Depression
  • Psychiatric problems

ABNORMAL BODY
MOVEMENTS OF SLEEP, PARASOMNIAS, EPILEPSY

Movement and other disorders of sleep are common and can also result in excessive day-time sleepiness. The most common are:

  • Periodic limb movements of sleep
  • Restless legs syndrome
  • Nocturnal epilepsy
  • Sleepwalking
  • Night terrors and nightmares
  • REM sleep behavior disorder

Treatment is available for these conditions above by contacting your doctor or a sleep disorders specialist.

NARCOLEPSY

Narcolepsy is an occasional cause of excessive daytime sleepiness

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms include an irresistible desire to sleep at any time of day, sleep paralysis, sudden muscular weakness with excitement or anger, vivid dreams or hallucinations when falling asleep or waking up.