DON’T LET SLEEP APNOEA OR SNORING IMPACT YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE
If you are snoring loud enough to keep your partner awake at night, and if you feel unrested even after being in bed for a substantial number of hours, you might be suffering from sleep apnoea. Most people don’t realize they have it unless their sleep partner tells them they are choking or that they stop breathing during the night.
The good news is that we can treat many cases of sleep apnoea at our Winston Hills, NSW dental clinic.
What Is Sleep Apnoea?
Sleep apnoea is a serious condition that is characterized by choking or cessation of breathing during sleep. People who have sleep apnoea stop breathing many times during the night—sometimes hundreds of times—and this prevents their body from getting enough oxygen. This results in people not getting restful sleep, so they often feel tired during the day even though they think they are getting enough sleep.
Frequently accompanied by loud snoring, sleep apnoea comes from excessive or loose tissue at the back of the throat that prevents proper breathing. Not all loud snorers have sleep apnoea, but snoring is a common sign of the condition.
Are There Risk Factors for Sleep Apnoea?
Anyone can develop sleep apnoea, including children, but the following characteristics increase the risk:
- People who are overweight or obese
- People who have a thick neck
- People over the age of 40
Men are at a higher risk of the condition.
How Can Sleep Apnoea Be Treated?
People diagnosed with sleep apnoea often try CPAP (continuous positive air pressure) therapy, which involves a facemask that delivers a continuous flow of oxygen. Although effective, many people find CPAP to be uncomfortable for sleeping, and they are not compliant.
Dr Martina Lavery offers an alternative for those suffering from sleep apnoea called the Oventus O2Vent. It works by gently moving the lower jaw forward so breathing is easier. Most patients find that this appliance is more comfortable than CPAP therapy.
Don’t let sleep apnoea impact your quality of life. Ask Dr Martina at your next check-up appointment at our Winston Hills, NSW dental clinic for more information about snoring and apnoea. Give our clinic a call. While we are located in Winston Hills, we also service Northmead, Baulkham Hills, and Bella Vista areas.