If your partner has complained of loud snoring or choking during sleep, it could indicate the presence of obstructive sleep apnoea, a serious sleep disorder characterised by a blocked airway.
WHAT IS OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNOEA?
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) occurs when the anatomy at the back of the throat relaxes during sleep and partially or completely blocks the airway. Loud snoring is often an indication that insufficient airflow is present and often leads to choking, coughing and periods without breathing.
When this occurs, the brain sends a panic signal to the body to awaken and avoid suffocation, resulting in frequent waking incidences during the night. You may not remember waking, though it can occur dozens to hundreds of times per night. These waking episodes interrupt regular sleep cycles in addition to the oxygen deprivation caused by apnoea.
The lack of restorative sleep and oxygen may lead to serious health consequences:
- Heart conditions
- Hypertension
- Stroke
- Weight gain or obesity
- Diabetes
- Depression and anxiety
- Chronic fatigue
While sleep apnoea is more common in males over age 40, it can affect patients of any age or gender – even children.
SLEEP APNOEA DIAGNOSIS
We work with a number of skilled sleep specialists in our area to accurately diagnose the existence of OSA. Typically, an at-home or an overnight clinical study will determine whether sleep apnoea is present along with its severity and provide your sleep specialist
with information that can used to create a personalised treatment plan.
Based on recommendations, common treatment options include continuous positive air pressure therapy (CPAP) or continuous open airway therapy (COAT) using a customised oral appliance, such as SomnoDent. While CPAP therapy is effective for many OSA patients,
wearing the required facemask to deliver a constant flow of oxygen often feels cumbersome. This is why many patients prefer COAT as an alternative for mild to moderate OSA.
COAT THERAPY – ORAL APPLIANCE TREATMENT FOR OSA
A custom oral appliance designed by our dentist in conjunction with specialised dental laboratories will fit over your upper and lower teeth and guide the lower jaw forward, gently opening the airway at the back of the throat by adjusting the tongue and throat anatomy that restricts the airway.Because our oral appliances are low-profile and less invasive than CPAP machines and their accompanying facemasks, many patients find this method of treatment easier for travel and daily use, improving patient compliance.
Treating OSA has the potential to improve sleep and quality of life by giving patients adequate oxygen and restorative sleep.
READY FOR A BETTER NIGHT’S SLEEP IN THE 6065 AREA?
Our team at Classic Dental Landsdale, look forward to helping you achieve the restful sleep you need for a healthy body and mind. Dr Yash Sheth and associates have undertaken further training in Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) to ensure that you receive the highest standard of treatment. We welcome you to call our practice on 6305 0299 or book online to arrange a consultation so you can learn about options to treat obstructive sleep apnoea.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
