Sleep Apnoea Treatment Wangaratta
While snoring is the subject of many jokes, it’s no laughing matter for the sufferer and sleep partner. That’s because snoring could indicate a more serious issue: sleep apnoea. The airways of individuals with sleep apnoea are partially obstructed, typically when they snore during sleep.
When a person is lying down, the soft tissues of the mouth and throat relax leading to the airway being blocked. This lack of oxygen results in a person waking suddenly. Often, a person suffering from sleep apnoea is not even aware that they are stirring and resuming sleep multiple times each night.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnoea
Here are some of the many symptoms that are associated with this common sleep disorder:
- Daytime drowsiness
- Inability to concentrate
- Irritability and mood swings
- Headaches
- Dry mouth and throat
- Weight gain
- Feeling unrefreshed in the morning
Things You Can Do at Home
Fortunately, there are many things you can do to help to avoid sleep apnoea:
Reach and maintain a healthy weight. One reason that weight gain dramatically increases your risk for developing sleep apnoea is that you’re likely gaining weight on the inside of your neck. That extra weight affects your throat muscles and ability to breathe. If you are carrying significant extra weight, the fat deposits surrounding your upper airway can impede normal breathing. That’s why shedding pounds and maintaining a healthy weight can help address sleep apnoea.
Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Both smoking and drinking alcohol can cause inflammation and fluid retention in the airways, which disrupts normal sleep.
Use a humidifier in your bedroom. By simply sleeping with a humidifier in your bedroom, you may experience less snoring, less congestion and the ability to breathe clearly.
Adjust your sleeping position. Raising your head while sleeping might be able to help reduce snoring. You also should refrain from sleeping on your back, which has been shown to worsen snoring and sleep apnoea symptoms.
How We Address Sleep Apnoea
Our experienced team can create custom-fitted dental appliances to help address sleep apnoea, including night splints and mouthguards. For more severe or complex cases of sleep apnoea, we refer our patients for a sleep study and to see an ENT specialist.
How Can We Help You?
Take the first step towards putting your sleep apnoea to rest by contacting us today to schedule a consultation!
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* Any invasive or surgical procedure may carry risks. Before moving forward, it is recommended that you seek a second opinion from an appropriately licensed medical professional.
