Why is it important to investigate if I have sleep apnoea?
If left untreated, sleep apnoea can have many harmful effects on your body, including:
– Occasionally starving your blood of oxygen and disturbing your sleep
– Potential health consequences – more likely to suffer from high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and stroke
– Links to higher rate of car and workplace injuries
– Can affect your concentration and memory
– Can lead to headaches and mood swings
What are the options for treating my sleep apnoea?
– Lifestyle changes – being overweight, caffeine, smoking and alcohol all have an effect on sleep apnoea and management of these can improve symptoms
– CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) – uses an air pump and mask to deliver airway pressure during sleep to prevent the throat from collapsing
– Surgery – some cases can be improved by removing tonsils or surgery to the palate and base of the tongue
– Oral appliance therapy – a custom fitted oral appliance is considered the most comfortable and is often the recommended treatment. They aim to keep your jaw forward a few millimetres to open the airway and reduce your snoring and other symptoms. The latest 3D technology and nylon material allow for a very thin appliance that is very comfortable and easily allows speaking and drinking. Example below:
If you think you may have some of the symptoms mentioned and want to know more, please contact us for a consultation.
