If you’re a snorer, you might think it’s the people you live with who suffer. But snoring can potentially be serious. If you snore on a regular basis, this can be a sign that your body is struggling to get the oxygen it requires and this can be symptomatic of sleep apnoea. Sleep apnoea is a sleep disorder, characterised by interrupted periods of breathing when you sleep. In severe cases, sleep apnoea can be very dangerous and even fatal, which is why careful management is essential.

What is sleep apnoea?

Sleep apnoea is a sleep disorder that affects your breathing when you sleep. Apnoea refers to periods of disrupted breathing, which last for at least 10 seconds. During this time, the airway becomes blocked. Sleep apnoea occurs when the muscles in the throat relax completely, causing the airway to be obstructed and airflow to be dramatically reduced.

There are various risk factors for sleep apnoea including obesity, smoking, genetics and drinking alcohol.

What can be done for sleep apnoea?

In minor cases, there may be no need for formal treatment and making lifestyle changes can have a huge impact. These changes include exercising more, losing weight, cutting down alcohol consumption (especially late at night before bed) and giving up smoking.

In extremely severe cases, breathing apparatus may be recommended to increase air flow during the night. This involves the individual wearing a mask over their face when they sleep.

We can also help with minor and moderate cases b providing patients with custom-designed bite guards, which move the jaw forward slightly to open up the airway and increase air flow; this helps to ensure that enough oxygen is taken in and reduces the risk of snoring and apnoea. The device is made to fit and it should enable you and the people around you to sleep soundly.

If you’re looking to restore silent nights in your household this Christmas, don’t suffer in silence. We are here to help. Call now to make your appointment!