Fatigue is one of the most common undifferentiated presentations in general practice,¹ and sleep disordered breathing is just one of many diagnoses within a broad differential. Because patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) are more likely to report fatigue or lack of energy than classic sleepiness, knowing what to test for, in what sequence, is of paramount importance.¹⁻²

This educational video gives GPs a clear framework for identifying who is genuinely at risk – covering risk stratification, the use and limitations of screening tools, and how to build pre-test probability in routine consultations. Special attention is given to atypical presentations, including women and non-obese patients, who are frequently missed under traditional diagnostic frameworks.

Learning Outcomes

1. Analyse the role of Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB) in patients presenting with fatigue
2. Identify atypical presentations of SDB, specifically within lean and postmenopausal populations
3. Evaluate the clinical significance of Comorbid Insomnia and Sleep Apnoea (COMISA) and its impact on the management of chronic comorbidities
4. Apply Austroads fitness‑to‑drive guidelines to patients with suspected or confirmed SDB, clarifying the GP’s role in risk assessment, counselling, and documentation

This activity has Reviewing Performance and Measuring Outcomes activities available by clicking the RP and MO buttons above

Provider

The Provider of this activity is Praxhub. Praxhub is an authorised Provider of education under the RACGP CPD Program. For any questions regarding this webinar please contact support@praxhub.com.

References

1. Maisel P, Baum E and Donner-Banzhoff N (2021) ‘Fatigue as the chief complaint: epidemiology, causes, diagnosis, and treatment’, Deutsches Ärzteblatt International, 118(33–34), pp.566–576. 
2. Bittencourt LRA and Haidar MA (2021) ‘Excessive daytime sleepiness in obstructive sleep apnea: mechanisms and clinical management’, Frontiers in Psychiatry, 12, Article 648.