L Amcal+ A+ Services Sleep Health Put a bad night's sleep to bed Why is sleep so important? Sleep may remain one of life's mysteries-we don't fully understand why we need so much sleep or how it works to restore the body and organise the brain-but we know that it's vital for our physical and mental health. This will come as no surprise to anyone who's had a bad night's sleep; not getting enough good quality sleep can have a serious impact on your concentration and mood, and long-term lack of sleep has even been linked with more serious medical problems like chronic pain, diabetes, obesity and heart problems. Sleep quality can be impacted by a range of health and lifestyle factors-let's take a closer look at a few. Melatonin levels Melatonin is a hormone that controls the body's sleeping and waking cycles. Melatonin levels can be affected by everything from travelling across time zones to screen time before bed, but a big one is aging: as we get older, our bodies tend to produce less melatonin. Aside from boosting melatonin levels naturally through simple steps like limiting your caffeine intake, melatonin is available as a supplement. Regular release tablets instantly release melatonin into your bloodstream, while extended release tablets gradually release melatonin, which may mimic the way our bodies naturally make melatonin throughout the night. For people over 55, extended release melatonin is available without a prescription." Sleep apnoea What is sleep apnoea? Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) occurs when a person's upper airway repeatedly collapses during sleep, Amcal+ Pharmacy Kempsey 2-14 Belgrave Street Shop 5, Kempsey Central, Cnr Pacific Hwy & Belgrave St, Kempsey 02 6562 4266 Mon Tue Wed Fri: 8.45 am - 5.30 pm Thu: 8.45 am - 7.00 pm Sat: 8.45 am - 3.00 pm Sun: 9.00 am-2.00 pm OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK causing them to stop breathing for a period of 10 seconds or longer. Millions of Australians are affected, yet 80% of cases are undiagnosed. Undiagnosed sleep apnoea can be dangerous due to major health consequences. What are the common symptoms of sleep apnoea? Daytime symptoms + Early morning headaches + Daytime sleepiness + Irritability + Poor concentration + Falling asleep during routine activities Night-time symptoms + Loud, persistent snoring + Witnessed pauses in breathing + Choking or gasping for air + Restless sleep + Frequent visits to the bathroom Your trusted Amcal pharmacist is here to help with our Sleep Health Consultation. We'll discuss your sleep habits and may recommend testing for complications like sleep apnoea. The initial consultation is free and if you qualify for an overnight sleep study, they're 50% off in October. 50% off During the month of October At home sleep studies* For help getting the best night's sleep, just ask your Amcal pharmacist. We've made electronic prescriptions easy. Scan the QR code to download the Amcal app and manage your scripts. Manage your health, with one easy app Download now Just ask Amcal+ THOT L Amcal + A + Services Sleep Health Put a bad night's sleep to bed Why is sleep so important ? Sleep may remain one of life's mysteries - we don't fully understand why we need so much sleep or how it works to restore the body and organise the brain - but we know that it's vital for our physical and mental health . This will come as no surprise to anyone who's had a bad night's sleep ; not getting enough good quality sleep can have a serious impact on your concentration and mood , and long - term lack of sleep has even been linked with more serious medical problems like chronic pain , diabetes , obesity and heart problems . Sleep quality can be impacted by a range of health and lifestyle factors - let's take a closer look at a few . Melatonin levels Melatonin is a hormone that controls the body's sleeping and waking cycles . Melatonin levels can be affected by everything from travelling across time zones to screen time before bed , but a big one is aging : as we get older , our bodies tend to produce less melatonin . Aside from boosting melatonin levels naturally through simple steps like limiting your caffeine intake , melatonin is available as a supplement . Regular release tablets instantly release melatonin into your bloodstream , while extended release tablets gradually release melatonin , which may mimic the way our bodies naturally make melatonin throughout the night . For people over 55 , extended release melatonin is available without a prescription . " Sleep apnoea What is sleep apnoea ? Obstructive sleep apnoea ( OSA ) occurs when a person's upper airway repeatedly collapses during sleep , Amcal + Pharmacy Kempsey 2-14 Belgrave Street Shop 5 , Kempsey Central , Cnr Pacific Hwy & Belgrave St , Kempsey 02 6562 4266 Mon Tue Wed Fri : 8.45 am - 5.30 pm Thu : 8.45 am - 7.00 pm Sat : 8.45 am - 3.00 pm Sun : 9.00 am - 2.00 pm OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK causing them to stop breathing for a period of 10 seconds or longer . Millions of Australians are affected , yet 80 % of cases are undiagnosed . Undiagnosed sleep apnoea can be dangerous due to major health consequences . What are the common symptoms of sleep apnoea ? Daytime symptoms + Early morning headaches + Daytime sleepiness + Irritability + Poor concentration + Falling asleep during routine activities Night - time symptoms + Loud , persistent snoring + Witnessed pauses in breathing + Choking or gasping for air + Restless sleep + Frequent visits to the bathroom Your trusted Amcal pharmacist is here to help with our Sleep Health Consultation . We'll discuss your sleep habits and may recommend testing for complications like sleep apnoea . The initial consultation is free and if you qualify for an overnight sleep study , they're 50 % off in October . 50 % off During the month of October At home sleep studies * For help getting the best night's sleep , just ask your Amcal pharmacist . We've made electronic prescriptions easy . Scan the QR code to download the Amcal app and manage your scripts . Manage your health , with one easy app Download now Just ask Amcal + THOT