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Understanding Sleep Apnoea and Snoring: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Sleep apnoea and snoring are more than just nighttime nuisances; they can significantly impact your overall health and well-being. This comprehensive guide explores the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for these common sleep disorders, emphasising holistic dental solutions available at GC Holistic Dental Care.

According to the World Health Organisation, an estimated 100 million people worldwide are suffering from Sleep Apnoea.

What is Sleep Apnoea?

Sleep apnoea is a serious sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. These interruptions, known as apnoeas, can last from a few seconds to minutes and may occur 30 or more times an hour. Sleep apnoea often goes undiagnosed as it happens during sleep, but it has severe implications for overall health.

Types of Sleep Apnoea

1. Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA): The most common form, caused by the relaxation of throat muscles which block the airway.
2. Central Sleep Apnoea (CSA): Occurs when the brain fails to send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.
3. Complex Sleep Apnoea Syndrome: A combination of OSA and CSA, also known as treatment-emergent central sleep apnoea.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnoea

Common symptoms include:

• Loud snoring
• Episodes of stopped breathing during sleep
• Abrupt awakenings with gasping or choking
• Morning headache
• Difficulty staying asleep (insomnia)
• Excessive daytime sleepiness (hypersomnia)
• Attention problems
• Irritability

Causes of Sleep Apnoea and Snoring

Common Causes of Sleep Apnoea:

1. Excess Weight: Obesity significantly increases the risk of obstructive sleep apnoea.
2. Neck Circumference: A thicker neck can narrow the airway.
3. Aging: Sleep apnoea is more common in older adults.
4. Nasal Congestion: Breathing problems due to nasal congestion can contribute.
5. Family History: A genetic predisposition can play a role.
6. Use of Alcohol, Sedatives, or Tranquilizers: These substances relax the muscles in your throat.
7. Smoking: Smokers are three times more likely to have obstructive sleep apnoea than non-smokers.

Factors Contributing to Snoring

Snoring can be caused by:

• Obstruction of Nasal Airways: Allergies or sinus infections can cause snoring.
• Poor Muscle Tone in the Throat and Tongue: This can cause these muscles to collapse back into the airway.
• Bulky Throat Tissue: Being overweight can cause this.
• Long Soft Palate and/or Uvula: This can narrow the opening from the nose to the throat.
• Alcohol Consumption: Drinking alcohol before bedtime can relax the throat muscles.

Diagnosing Sleep Apnoea

Medical evaluations and tests for diagnosis typically involve:

• Physical Examination: Checking for physical traits that could predispose you to sleep apnoea.
• Sleep Study (Polysomnography): A comprehensive test that records brain waves, oxygen levels in the blood, heart rate, and breathing during sleep.
• Home Sleep Apnoea Testing: A simplified version of a sleep study that can be done at home.

Importance of Early Diagnosis

Early diagnosis is crucial to prevent complications such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and even stroke. Recognising symptoms and seeking medical advice early can significantly improve quality of life and health outcomes.

Treatment Options for Sleep Apnoea and Snoring

Lifestyle Changes and Home Remedies include:

1. Weight Loss: Reducing weight can alleviate symptoms.
2. Exercise: Regular physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight and improves sleep quality.
3. Avoiding Alcohol and Smoking: Reducing or eliminating these can improve symptoms.
4. Sleeping Position: Sleeping on your side can prevent the tongue from blocking the airway.
5. Nasal Strips or External Nasal Dilators: These can help reduce snoring.

Medical Treatments

1. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): A machine that uses air pressure to keep airways open.
2. Other Airway Pressure Devices: Devices that auto-adjust the pressure while you sleep.
3. Oral Appliances: Designed to keep the throat open.
4. Surgery: In severe cases, procedures such as Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), Genioglossus Advancement (GA), or nasal surgery may be recommended.

Dental Solutions at GC Holistic Dental Care

At GC Holistic Dental Care, we offer innovative dental treatments for sleep apnoea, including:

• Custom-Fitted Oral Appliances: These devices help keep the airway open by repositioning the jaw.
• Myofunctional Therapy: Exercises to improve tongue posture and muscle tone.
• Holistic Approaches: Combining traditional dental treatments with holistic practices to provide comprehensive care.
  

We will help you find the treatment option you feel comfortable with. We offer SomnoDent Oral Appliance Therapy (COAT) and can help you find the right partner for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Therapy (CPAP). We also work with a Nutrition Naturopath who can help you achieve a better night's sleep.

Which Oral Appliances Can Help Me If I Suffer From Sleep Apnoea?

If you have mild to moderate sleep apnoea, an oral appliance might be the right solution to treat your sleep apnoea. The SomnoDent COAT is a custom-fitted dental device worn while you sleep that fits over your upper and lower teeth. It is designed to open your airway by holding your lower jaw forward. We will custom-fit your device, which will make it comfortable, discreet and easy to use. We might have to adjust the device to ensure that it is working well. The success of this method varies from case to case, and it is hard to predict how well the oral device will work for you.

Holistic Approaches to Managing Sleep Apnoea

Holistic dental care at GC Holistic Dental Care focuses on the overall well-being of the patient. This includes:

• Personalised Treatment Plans: Tailored to individual needs and health goals.
• Integrative Therapies: Combining dental care with nutrition, lifestyle changes, and stress management.
• Focus on Root Causes: Addressing underlying issues contributing to sleep apnoea and snoring.

Sleep Apnoea Treatment

Understanding the seriousness of sleep apnoea and snoring and exploring the holistic dental solutions available can lead to significant improvements in health and quality of life. At GC Holistic Dental Care, we are dedicated to providing the best care and treatment options for your needs. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of sleep apnoea or snoring, we encourage you to seek a consultation with our experienced team to explore the best treatment options tailored to you.