Movember: Connecting Men’s Health, Mental Health and the Importance of Sleep
Highlighting Men’s Health This Movember
Movember is recognised globally as a time to focus on men’s physical and mental health, but quality sleep, one of the most important aspects of wellbeing, is often overlooked.
Poor or disrupted sleep doesn’t just cause fatigue, it can influence mood, cognition, and long-term health outcomes.
For GPs and health professionals, this month offers an opportunity to check in on male patients’ sleep patterns, and for men themselves, a reminder that quality sleep is foundational to overall health.
How Sleep Affects Men’s Health and Mental Wellbeing
Sleep plays a vital role in physical recovery, hormonal balance, and emotional regulation.
Inadequate or poor-quality sleep has been linked with:
- Low mood and irritability
- Increased risk of depression and anxiety
- Reduced concentration and memory
- Elevated blood pressure and cardiovascular strain
- Lower testosterone and metabolic imbalance
Sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) are particularly common among men, especially those with risk factors such as obesity, hypertension, or type 2 diabetes.
Left untreated, OSA can worsen both physical and mental health - compounding fatigue, stress, and poor emotional resilience.
Modern Sleep Testing: Designed for Comfort and Accuracy
Traditionally, sleep studies have been more comfortable in cooler months. However, recent technology upgrades mean that testing is now more reliable and comfortable all year round — including during Brisbane’s warmer weather.
At North Brisbane Sleep & Thoracic (NBST), our in-lab and home-based (ambulatory) testing equipment has been upgraded to provide:
- Compact, lightweight sensors for greater comfort and mobility
- Consistent, high-quality data across both in-lab and home environments
- Enhanced signal accuracy for airflow, oxygen levels, and sleep stages
- Minimal disruption to normal sleep routines
This means patients can complete their sleep studies in comfort while maintaining data accuracy, ensuring reliable results for diagnosis and ongoing management.
When to Consider a Sleep Study
For GPs, sleep assessment should be considered when male patients present with:
- Snoring or witnessed pauses in breathing during sleep
- Persistent daytime tiredness or fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating, mood changes, or low energy
- Morning headaches or dry mouth
- Resistant hypertension or cardiovascular risk factors
For patients, these symptoms can be early indicators of sleep apnoea or another sleep disorder. Discussing them with a GP is the first step towards assessment and management.
How NBST Supports Men’s Health
NBST provides comprehensive sleep and respiratory diagnostic services across Brisbane.
Our in-lab and ambulatory sleep studies allow both comfort and clinical accuracy, supported by specialist review and follow-up care.
Patients can be referred by their GP for:
- Diagnostic sleep studies
- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy review
- Respiratory and sleep specialist consultations
- Follow-up testing to monitor treatment progress
All results and recommendations are promptly shared with referring doctors to support continuity of care.
A Collaborative Approach to Better Sleep and Mental Health
Improving sleep quality can positively influence men’s mood, energy levels, and overall wellbeing.
For GPs, integrating sleep health into regular men’s health assessments can make a significant difference in long-term outcomes.
For patients, even small changes such as addressing snoring, managing weight, or maintaining regular sleep patterns, can improve daily performance and emotional balance.
This Movember, take the time to consider the link between sleep, mental health, and men’s wellbeing.
Whether through early screening, modern diagnostic testing, or ongoing respiratory care, NBST supports both patients and clinicians in achieving better health outcomes across Brisbane, North Lakes, and Clayfield.
If you or your patient may benefit from a sleep assessment