Sleep Apnoea in Officer
In our practice, we strive to help patients overcome a variety of oral health problems–and that’s not always limited to your teeth. We’re proud to offer focused solutions for sleep apnoea that are non-invasive and carried out right here in the practice.
If you suffer from any of the following, you may be dealing with sleep apnoea.
- Interrupted sleep
- Loud snoring
- Feeling tired
- Cloudy or foggy mind
What is Sleep Apnoea?
This problem happens when your airway becomes blocked or closes during sleep–essentially, you stop breathing. To wake your body up, your brain sends a rush of adrenaline into your system, telling breathing to begin. When this happens, you may let out a loud snore that can wake yourself or your partner.
In mild sufferers, this may happen one or a few times each night. In severe cases, it can happen upwards of 20 times each night. You can imagine how difficult that makes it to get adequate, restful sleep to rejuvenate your body.
Some risk factors of this condition include:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Digestive issues
- Depression
- And more
What Can Be Done?
Thankfully, there’s hope. While serious cases of the disorder may require use of a breathing machine known as a CPAP, mild to moderate cases of sleep apnoea may be helped with a custom fit oral appliance, which we’re happy to offer in the practice. The oral appliance works by shifting your jaw slightly forward, keeping your airway open during sleep.
The appliance is much like a retainer, and is comfortable and fit specifically to your mouth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common symptoms include excessive daytime sleepiness, flat or chipped teeth, and sore jaws upon waking.
Snoring can occur on its own or in combination with sleep apnoea. Not snoring does not necessarily rule out a sleeping disorder. Factors like nasal congestion or alcohol consumption before bed can also cause snoring.
A properly fitting oral appliance can start working from the first night of use, though adjustments may be required to fine-tune its fit and effectiveness.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a sleep-related breathing disorder where airflow decreases or stops despite ongoing efforts to breathe. It occurs when throat muscles relax during sleep, causing soft tissues to block the upper airway.
Treatment options include:
- Lifestyle changes like weight loss and sleeping on your side
- Use of a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine to keep airways open
- Oral appliances to reposition the jaw
- Surgical interventions to remove excess throat tissue or reposition the jaw
The best treatment varies by cause but often includes:
- Improving sleep hygiene and reducing stress
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), considered the most effective long-term solution
- Short-term use of medication when recommended by a healthcare provider
Consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most suitable approach for your specific situation.
LEARN MORE TODAY
Interested in finding out if an oral appliance is right for you to help manage severe snoring and sleep apnoea? We’re here for you. Contact our team today to learn more about your options and book an appointment. We look forward to welcoming you into our care.