Perhaps you toss and turn all night or snore so loudly that your spouse can’t get a good night’s sleep. You also may wake up feeling panicked—choking or gasping for air. On top of all that, you likely will get up feeling fatigued and unrefreshed in the morning. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, you probably have sleep apnoea, a serious sleep disorder. Did you know that one in every four Australians is at risk of developing sleep apnoea?
Obstructive sleep apnoea takes place when the throat is partly or completely blocked during sleep. The sufferer may quit breathing for a brief period and then will awaken momentarily. Episodes can occur multiple times a night, with most sufferers unaware that it’s happening.
Who Is at Risk?
While anyone can be affected by sleep apnoea, it’s usually more common in individuals who are middle-aged and older who snore. Being overweight also puts you at higher risk. If you have a constricted throat or nasal passage or have a child with enlarged tonsils or adenoids, there is also an increased risk.
If sleep apnoea is ignored, serious consequences can result. These include
- Cardiovascular disease
- Depression
- Diabetes
- Headaches
- High blood pressure
- Impotence
- Poor memory
There’s another danger of not addressing sleep apnoea: if you are chronically fatigued motor vehicle and workplace accidents may occur.
How We Help Those With Sleep Apnoea
If you believe you havesleep apnoea, we can screen you here at Manningham Smiles Dentistry. Additionally, we can coordinate your care with your physicians. If your sleep apnoea is mild, there are some things you can do to help resolve your condition. These include shedding extra kilos, limiting alcohol consumption and sleeping on your side.
For more severe cases, however, we can custom-fabricate a SomnoMed dental appliance that shifts the lower jaw forward. This movement permits oxygen to flow through your airways as it should while you sleep.
Because sleep apnoea can progress to a more serious conditions if not addressed, it’s vital that you take action straightaway. If you believe you have this sleep disorder, we encourage you to book a consultation today.