Sleep apnoea occurs when a person’s throat is partly or completely blocked while they are asleep. It is a serious disorder and people with untreated sleep apnoea stop breathing repeatedly during their sleep and this means the brain, and the rest of the body may not get enough oxygen.
Common symptoms include sleepiness or lack of energy during the day, restless sleep, recurrent awakenings and or waking up with a choking or gasping sensation and loud snoring. Sleep apnoea can be diagnosed by a sleep study test (polysomnogram), which can be undertaken with a hospital admission or a home study kit at the pharmacy. It is from the test that the severity of the disorder is determined and treatment options range from recommending weight loss, changing sleep positions, using CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) therapy to surgery.
The sleep apnoea condition can also be improved with dental devices that help keep the airway open during sleep. Although CPAP therapy is the gold standard, sleep dental devices are now widely accepted as it is light, quiet and allows for easy wearing. There are quite a few designs available and our dentists will be able to help you make the right decision.
Treatment for snoring is the same as sleep apnoea, but usually lifestyle changes and dental devices is enough.