Delegate: Rowena Rebadavia
Affiliation: Sleep Experts Scoring and Solutions Limited
Short Bio: Sleep Experts is dedicated to promoting quality sleep, a fundamental aspect of a healthy lifestyle. Our team consists of certified Clinical Sleep Physiologists who specialize in the understanding and management of sleep health in New Zealand. We prioritize innovation and excellence in delivering tailored sleep solutions that cater to the specific needs of each individual. We present a team of professionals specializing in sleep science. Our members, Rowena, Edlyn, and Ceasar, possess extensive experience and hold certifications from reputable organizations in the field. Committed to improving lives by promoting better sleep, focus on addressing a wide range of sleep-related issues.
Activity: We conducted a webinar through Journal of Jai (she is a Filipina doing webinars for Filipino Community in New Zealand) aimed to raise awareness and share vital information about Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), with a strong focus on promoting healthy sleep hygiene practices and educating participants on the different diagnostic tools available for identifying sleep disorders.
The session began with an overview of OSA — what it is, its signs and symptoms, and the potential health risks associated with untreated sleep apnea. We highlighted the importance of early detection and how it can significantly improve an individual’s overall quality of life.
We also discussed practical tips and recommendations for maintaining good sleep hygiene, including consistent sleep schedules, creating a restful environment, limiting screen time before bed, and lifestyle changes that support better sleep quality.
Another key part of the webinar was an in-depth discussion on the various diagnostic tests used to evaluate sleep disorders, particularly those used to confirm cases of OSA. This included explanations of home sleep tests (HST), polysomnography (PSG) conducted in sleep laboratories, and how each test works, including their accessibility and what to expect during these procedures.
Special attention was given to reaching out to the Filipino community in New Zealand, ensuring that culturally appropriate resources and support are available to help them understand OSA and the importance of sleep health. We emphasized how OSA can often be underdiagnosed in ethnic minority communities, and how awareness campaigns like this can bridge those gaps.
The webinar also covered the public health pathways available in New Zealand for accessing diagnostic sleep testing and treatment. This included information about how to get a referral from a GP, what the wait times might be in the public system, and what options are available in the private sector. We outlined the process from initial consultation to diagnosis and treatment options such as CPAP therapy, lifestyle interventions, and in some cases, surgical procedures.
Towards the end of the session, we held a live Q&A segment where the audience had the opportunity to ask questions, share their experiences, and engage directly with our panel of experts. This interactive portion allowed for further clarification and personalized advice, helping to ensure that attendees left the webinar with a deeper understanding and practical next steps for addressing OSA.
Location: Auckland
Date of Activity: March 13, 2025
Submitted by: Rowena Rebadavia
