Sleeping Disorder Treatment

Have trouble sleeping through the night with snoring issues? Sleep apnoea can prevent a deep sleep and affect your quality of life…

Sleep apnoea is a common disorder in which sufferers have one or more pauses in breathing or shallow breaths during sleep. The soft tissue in the back of the throat relaxes during sleep causing obstruction in the airway, leading to loud snoring.

Often suffers are unaware of they have the condition and are informed by family members or partners. Snoring and sleep apnoea can leave the patient feeling tired throughout the day as breathing pauses will disrupt sleep patterns. Severe snoring and sleep apnoea can also lead to choking, breathlessness and in severe cases high blood pressure and heart attack.

Types of sleep apnoea:

• Obstructive sleep apnoea this is the most common type. This occurs when the soft tissue in the back of the throat relaxes causing obstruction, leading to loud snoring.
• Central sleep apnoea this type of sleep apnoea is less common and involves the central nervous system, rather than an airway blockage. It occurs when the brain fails to signal the muscles that control breathing. People with central sleep apnoea rarely snore.
• Complex sleep apnoea is a combination of central sleep apnoea and obstructive sleep apnoea.

Treatment for sleep apnoea has come a long way in recent times so it is important to discuss your options at the orthodontist.

Treatment for Sleep Disorders and Sleep Apnoea

‘Nasal continuous positive airway pressure’ (CPAP) mask

Aside from changes to diet, and lifestyle, the most effective treatment is a mask worn during sleep. The mask keeps the back of the throat open by increasing air flow through the nasal cavity.

Mouthguards and Splints

An alternative to wearing a mask is the use of a mouthguard. Oral appliances such as splints and mouthguards work by holding the jaw forward during sleep. When customised, they can be effective for mild to moderate sleep apnoea cases.