Sleep Apnoea

There are two main types of sleep apnea; Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) and central sleep apnoea.

85% of people with sleep apnoea have OSA.

When you go to sleep, the muscles at the back of your throat relax. When this happens, your airway can narrow or close as you breathe. Because your airway is partly blocked, snoring results. If the airway becomes completely blocked, you can’t get any air into your lungs.

This can happen many times a night without you being aware of it. You may think you slept all night. But obstructive sleep apnoea causes poor quality sleep and often results in sleepiness during the day.^¹ Your brain responds to the low oxygen level in your blood by briefly waking you from sleep so that you can take a breath. Your partner may notice that you make a gasping or choking sound.

While Central sleep apnoea is a less common form of sleep apnoea. It is caused by the brain failing to send the right signals to the muscles that control breathing. Some people have ‘complex’ sleep apnoea, which is a combination of obstructive and central sleep apnoea. A sleep assessment will determine whether you have these conditions.

OSA is a serious and relatively common condition. 750,000 Australians have problems with their health due to OSA. Sleep Apnoea has been linked to:

High blood pressure
Diabetes
Heart failure
Car and truck accidents
Work accidents

symptoms of OSA include:

Poor concentration
Snoring
Falling asleep easily in the daytime – watching TV, at work or on public transport or even nodding while driving.
Morning headaches
Depressed mood
Weight gain
High blood pressure

Lack of energy
Forgetfulness
Reduced sex drive
Night sweats
Frequent urination at night

Did you know that sleep disorders can increase the likelihood of cardiovascular disease, hypertension and mortality?

Don’t loose sleep worrying about this though. If you are suffering from sleep apnoea or snoring, we can help you by making customised splint. This is worn during sleep and helps maintain the upper airway which increases its dimensions. This in turn helps you breathe thereby achieving a quieter, better nights sleep.

Make your appointment today to ask how we can help you achieve a good night’s sleep.

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