Public health expert says Pacific make up 40% of Sth Akl patients with sleep disorders

With good quality sleep often missed in today’s busy world, sleep experts are looking at how Pacific families can be helped to overcome sleeping disorders.

Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand Counties Manukau have been working to provide understanding around the sleep disorder, Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA).

OSA is a serious condition that’s caused by the muscles at the back of the throat relaxing too much the airway passage becomes completely blocked and breathing stops.

Along with a number of symptoms, loud, hoarse snoring followed by breathing pauses, choking or coughing during sleep can sometimes be signs of OSA.

While heavy weight can be an associated cause of snoring, sometimes it’s genetics. Sleep experts say Pacific people physically have wider necks, larger tongues and a flatter nose-shape that play a part in narrowing airways.

In 2023, the Counties Manukau Sleep Service had around 1200 referrals of sleeping issues. Pacific peoples make up around 40 per cent of that clientele.

Clinical physiologist for sleep Johanna Parker has over 10 years of experience in studying sleeping patterns within tamariki and adults. She has been running diagnostics at the Sleep Service to help families take proactive steps towards a better night’s rest.

Parker spoke on Pacific Days about contributing factors to sleeping troubles saying while not all snorers have OSA it is a sign of potential problems and a visit to the GP may be needed.

“Snoring is an indication that there’s something going on in the airways because it means that they’re narrowing. But it’s when the snoring starts to interrupt your sleep and your family starts complaining because it’s interrupting their sleep.

“That’s usually when it’s a good time to go and talk to your GP about it. Your airways are probably starting to head towards the direction of sleep apnoea.”

If you or anyone you know is need of the Counties Manukau Sleep Service find them at:

Module 7, Manukau SuperClinic

Available Monday to Friday

Phone 0800 731 277 and leave a brief message.

Or Email: SleepWalkIn@middlemore.co.nz

Watch the full interview with Johanna Parker on Pacific Days below.