Sleep Apnoea Treatment

What causes snoring and sleep apnoea?

Snoring happens when air passes over soft tissues in the throat during sleep. This causes the tissues to vibrate and produce sound when you breathe. Snoring is very common, with an estimated 30% to 40% of Australians snoring at night.

Mild snoring is not usually a problem, unless it disturbs other people around you. However, loud snoring or interrupted breathing can be more serious. These are often signs of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA).

Sleep apnoea occurs when the throat closes completely during sleep and air can no longer pass through. The body responds by forcing a strong breath, which may cause the sufferer to wake up choking or gasping. In the most severe cases, this can happen hundreds of times every night.

Who is at risk?

Sleep apnoea can affect people of all ages, including children, but it's more common from middle age. You may also be more likely to suffer from sleep apnoea if:

you are overweight
you smoke
you drink alcohol in the evening
you take sleeping tablets or certain medications
you have nasal congestion
you have large tonsils or a narrow throat or nasal passages
you have a family history of sleep apnoea

Controlling some of these risk factors may help to treat the problem.

What are the signs of sleep apnoea?

Loud snoring is not always a sign of sleep apnoea, but you may have the condition if you also have some of the following symptoms:

waking up frequently during the night
waking up choking, gasping or snorting
morning headaches
feeling tired or fatigued during the day
feeling irritable and prone to mood changes
poor memory or concentration
reduced sex drive or impotence in men
behaviour or development problems in children

What are the dangers of sleep apnoea?

Obstructive sleep apnoea can disturb your sleep and the sleep of other people in your home. A good night's sleep is important for physical and mental health, and losing sleep every night can take its toll. You may be at higher risk of:

anxiety or depression
diabetes
high blood pressure
heart attack
stroke
motor vehicle accidents or accidents involving machinery

If you're worried that you or a loved one might have sleep apnoea, book an appointment at Bracken Ridge Dental. We'll ask about your symptoms and may arrange an overnight sleep study where a sleep physician can monitor your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatments.

How can sleep apnoea be treated