Dreaming of a good night’s sleep? Obstructive Sleep Apnoea occurs during sleep when some of your muscles in the airway and throat relax, causing you to stop breathing for short periods of time.
We want to assist you to get the rest your body deserves at night, to relax and refresh.
If left untreated, snoring caused by sleep apnoea can lead to more serious health issues. At Confident Smile clinic, we want to work with you to assess the causes of your sleep issues and help you get a good night sleep again.
When you are in a deep sleep and suffering from snoring in the night, you may find that your throat muscles will relax enough that the airway closes off. You will continue to try to breathe, but no air enters the lungs, reducing the oxygen in the blood, causing you to wake up throughout the night. You could be completely unaware that these interruptions during sleep may be repeatedly occurring.
SYMPTOMS OF OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNOEA
You may be experiencing some of the following symptoms when you sleep:
- Loud snoring
- Gasping for air during your sleep
- Insomnia
You may be experiencing some of the following symptoms when you are awake:
- Headaches
- Waking up with a dry mouth
- Sleepiness and difficulty focusing
- Irritability
CAUSES OF OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNOEA
There are many factors contributing to snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea, including:
- Muscular changes
- Physical obstructions
- Brain function
Common risk factors that can cause sleep apnoea include:
- Sleeping on your back
- Obesity
- Being a smoker
- Larger neck circumference
We believe in analysing your overall oral health to assess beyond just your teeth to identify further issues. Some cases of sleep apnoea may need further assessment and a sleep study by a specialist. We recommend that you discuss this with your dentist to ensure that the best treatment is chosen for you.
WHAT’S NEXT?
We recommend you book an appointment with a dentist to further discuss and provide expert advice on improving your sleep and your oral health!
