"A recent study showed that one in ten Australians suffer from undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnoea."
Every night, Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSA) steals sleep from millions of people, most of whom don’t realise the impact on their health.
OSA is a common condition defined by an absence of breath during sleep. This condition can be dangerous if left untreated, so it’s important to learn the facts and seek treatment as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnoea?
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a common condition defined by an absence of breath during sleep. These episodes typically last 10 seconds in which the airway is partially or fully blocked and the brain doesn’t receive an adequate supply of oxygen. OSA occurs during the night and can severely disrupt sleep patterns.
Sleep apnoea is characterised by loud, frequent snoring interjected with episodes of silence and gasps for breath.
What Causes Sleep Apnoea?
Sleep apnoea occurs when the tissues in the upper airways move too close to each during sleep, blocking the inflow of air temporarily. The muscles lining the upper throat are designed to relax during normal sleep, keeping the airway open – sleep apnoea hinders air from entering and exiting the lungs.
Sleep apnoea causes include:
- Naturally narrower airways
- Weight gain and obesity
- Smoking
- Sedatives such as medicine and alcohol
- Weakened muscles over time
What are the Symptoms?
As the cycle of sleep apnoea can occur as many as 500 times throughout the night, this condition can have drastic effects on the sufferer.
The symptoms of sleep apnoea include:
- Lethargy and excessive tiredness
- Waking up and feeling unrested
- Headaches in the morning
- Extreme snoring
- Pauses in breathing while sleeping
- Gasping and choking at night
- Insomnia
What are the treatments for Sleep Apnoea?
At The Dental Boutique, we take the time to assess your condition and discover the precise causes before recommending a treatment. Some patients can benefit from weight loss, quitting smoking, avoiding sedatives, or changing sleep habits. We are experienced in treating sleep conditions with custom-made appliances.
You may wear an oral appliance at night that pulls the jaw forward and prevents the airway from collapsing during sleep. Alternatively, our practitioners may administer a small machine that supplies additional oxygen to your lungs while you sleep.
