A FEW weeks ago, John Gross's doctor made the call that could have saved his life.

Mr Gross, 75, said his doctor referred him to the Warwick Friendly Society Sleep Clinic during a routine visit.

"He just took a look at me and sent me off for some tests," he said.

"Those tests showed I had sleep apnoea issues and I've been receiving treatment for that ever since."

In just that short time, Mr Gross's blood pressure has come back to acceptable levels and both he and his wife are getting a better night's rest.

The treatment consists of a simple mask he wears, which is attached to machine and is designed to keep Mr Gross's airways clear as he sleeps.

"The doctor told me that sleep issues like this can greatly increase the chances of stroke and heart disease," Mr Gross said.

"My wife said I snort and snore but I'd never have guessed I was in any danger.

"I couldn't hack wearing the mask on the first night, but you've got to take it in your stride.

"At 75, any day you wake up is a good day."

Warwick Friendly Society Sleep Clinic sleep technician Emma Cameron said sleep apnoea was a massive problem in Warwick.

"Most of it goes undiagnosed," she said.

"Ad there's no age limit to the people it affects.

"Apart from the dangers of serious health concerns, fatigue and inattention can be dangerous daily side effects of disturbed sleep patterns."

Miss Cameron said the clinic saw hundreds of patients from Warwick and surrounds.

"There are links with obesity and type two diabetes," she said.

"Sleep apnoea and the disturbances it causes to sleep messes with your metabolism, so people who are compliant with their treatment can also notice significant weight losses."

Sleep scientist Bel du Bois runs Darling Downs Wellness Therapies and said the sleep issue she dealt with the most was insomnia.

"In recent years there's been a huge increase in insomnia in teenagers," she said.

"And it's all down to technology - 75 per cent of 18 to 24 year olds go to bed with their phone or some type of device.

"The blue light those devices emit is recognised by the brain as daylight, so the brain doesn't switch off and the onset of sleep is delayed."

Ms du Bois said partners should take note of their loved one's sleeping habits.

"Most people are not aware that loud, full-blown snoring is not normal and not healthy," she said.

"It's something that needs to be checked out.

"When patients present to me I run through a few check lists and determine how their lifestyle may be having an impact on their sleep.

"Sometimes poor sleep can be related to more serious conditions."

For more information on how to get help with sleep related issues head to www.darlingdownswellnesstherapies.org.au