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Sleep Apnoea

Sleep Apnoea
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Sleep Apnoea in Melbourne

Sleep apnoea is a debilitating condition that can lead to severe health issues when left untreated. Symptoms such as loud snoring, disrupted sleep, daytime sleepiness and poor work performance can also cause problems in a sufferer’s day to day life. At East Bentleigh Dental Group, our dentists know the signs of sleep apnoea and will ensure you receive the diagnosis and treatment you need in order to safeguard your health.

If you’re suffering from sleep apnoea, or if you suspect you might, our sleep apnoea dentist is experienced in recognising the signs and symptoms of sleep apnoea and can refer you to a doctor who can assist with a proper diagnosis. Once diagnosed, there are a number of treatment options that can be prescribed in order to treat sleep apnoea in Melbourne.

What is Sleep
Apnoea?

What is Sleep
Apnoea?

What is Sleep
Apnoea?

Bentleigh Dental

Sleep apnoea is a condition in which the muscles of the throat relax and reduce the intake of oxygen. Breathing stops momentarily (generally between 10 seconds and 1 minute) until the brain registers the drop in oxygen levels. When this happens, the sleeper comes out of deep sleep for brief periods in an attempt to restore normal breathing, typically snorting and gasping to open the upper airway before drifting back to sleep immediately. This pattern can repeat itself many times each night, resulting in fragmented sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness and other side effects. Sleep apnoea is also often accompanied by snoring which can disturb your partner’s sleep.

What Are the Causes of Sleep Apnoea?

Sleep apnoea can have a range of causes, including:

  • Genetics – Genetics can play a significant role in the development of sleep apnoea. Individuals with a family history of sleep apnoea may be more predisposed to the condition due to inherited physical traits that make airway obstruction more likely.
  • Obesity – Obesity is one of the most common risk factors for sleep apnoea. Excess weight, particularly around the neck and throat area, can lead to fatty deposits that narrow the airway, making it easier for the airway to become blocked during sleep. The increased pressure from excess body weight can also contribute to airway collapse.
  • Growths in the Throat – Growths such as polyps or benign tumours can obstruct the airway, leading to episodes of apnoea. These growths can physically block the air passage and lead to breathing interruptions during sleep.
  • Sinus Issues – Chronic sinus problems and nasal congestion can contribute to sleep apnoea by obstructing airflow through the nasal passages. This can cause individuals to breathe through their mouths, which increases the likelihood of airway collapse during sleep, particularly when the muscles of the throat relax.
  • Oversized Tonsils – Enlarged tonsils can be a cause of sleep apnoea, especially in children. The tonsils are located near the back of the throat, and if they’re oversized, they can block the airway, making it difficult for air to pass freely.
  • And Other Factors – Other factors that may contribute to sleep apnoea include use of sedatives or alcohol, the natural ageing process, and certain anatomical characteristics, such as a small jaw, large tongue or thick neck.

Sleep apnoea is typically more prevalent in men, and the risk increases with age. Smokers and sufferers of diabetes or high blood pressure are also more likely to develop the condition.

What Are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnoea?

The main symptom of sleep apnoea is loud and deep snoring when sleeping. A sufferer will also often wake up throughout the night choking or gasping. Due to the disruption this causes to sleep, this can lead to symptoms of fatigue, concentration problems and poor work performance during daytime hours. If you experience any of these symptoms, our sleep apnoea dentist can refer you to a doctor who can discuss available treatment options with you.

Is Snoring Always a Symptom of Sleep Apnoea?

While loud snoring is the main symptom of the condition, not everyone who snores will suffer from sleep apnoea. If you’ve been told by others that you snore, it could be a sign of a bigger problem. Consider your health and seek the advice of an appropriately qualified medical practitioner to learn more about the options available to help you for sleep apnoea in Melbourne.

Is Sleep Apnoea Dangerous?

Yes, the condition poses risks to the sufferer, including high blood pressure which can lead to heart attack or stroke. Other health risks associated with the condition includes diabetes, stroke, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and hypothyroidism.

Many sufferers of sleep apnoea in Melbourne have no memory of waking during the night, and consequently, they may not even realise they are suffering from this condition. Due to the potential health risks, seeking treatment from a sleep apnoea dentist or other physician is highly recommended.

How is Sleep Apnoea Treated?

Various treatments for sleep apnoea exist, with treatment often varying depending on the cause of the condition and the severity of symptoms. For more severe sleep apnoea, a doctor may recommend continuous positive airway pressure therapy, also known as CPAP. This therapy involves wearing a mask over the face which provides airflow to keep the airway open during sleep.

For sleep apnoea caused by sinus issues, a nasal spray may help to alleviate symptoms. Surgery can also treat the condition when caused by large tonsils or excess tissue in the throat.

Make an Appointment with East Bentleigh Dental Group Today

For more information on sleep apnoea, Melbourne locals can contact East Bentleigh Dental Group for an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore the answers to common queries about our dental services in our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section. From appointment scheduling to post-treatment care, find the information you need to make your dental experience with us smooth and informed.

Call us at (03) 9575 1100

Yes, untreated sleep apnoea can lead to serious health issues such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and even mental health problems. Seeking timely treatment is important to prevent these potential health risks.

Sleep apnoea is typically diagnosed through a sleep study, known as polysomnography, which monitors breathing, oxygen levels and other vital signs during sleep. A referral from a sleep apnoea dentist or doctor to a sleep specialist is often the first step toward diagnosis.

Certain lifestyle changes may help to manage sleep apnoea symptoms, such as losing weight, avoiding alcohol before bedtime, quitting smoking, and sleeping on your side instead of your back.

Yes, children can suffer from sleep apnoea, often due to enlarged tonsils or adenoids. Treatment for paediatric sleep apnoea may involve removing the tonsils and adenoids, using CPAP therapy or addressing other underlying conditions. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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