It has been estimated that Sleep Apnoea affects approximately 10% of Australians, predominantly men. This health problem is often associated with people who are overweight and suffer from heart disease or diabetes.

When the person sleeps the muscles and soft tissue (including the tongue) in the throat relax and can block the person's airway, dropping their oxygen saturation levels. When the oxygen levels in the brain become low, the sleeper partially awakens, usually with a loud gasp, draws in air to compensate and the cycle commences again. This cycle can occur many times a night.

Sleepiness during the day, excessive snoring, tiredness with a lack of energy and difficulty in concentrating and irritability are all symptoms pointing to sleep apnoea. In addition there is a real problem of a motor vehicle accident happening due to the resulting loss of concentration.

True Care works with a Respiratory Physician, Sleep Specialist delivering sleep apnoea monitoring in selected person's home environment. The service consists of appropriate selection of patients, education on use of the portable machines by a specifically trained health professional and then support available if needed throughout the procedure.

The reading is then analysed and interpreted by the Sleep Specialist who forwards the outcome to the person's referring doctor.

This service is only available in Melbourne, however it is planned to establish a similar service in other states.