For many, snoring can be a source of real embarrassment. Whilst it’s totally normal and an estimated 25% of adults do it regularly, for many it is a touchy subject. Not only is there the potential impact on relationships and confidence, but snoring – and more specifically Sleep Apnoea – can actually have many damaging effects on our health.
What is Sleep Apnoea?
It’s a sleep disorder that causes breathing to repeatedly stop and start during sleep. For many, this causes them to feel tired even after a full night’s sleep. The main symptoms include; breathing stopping and starting, making gasping noises, waking up a lot during the night and loud snoring.
What are the impacts of Sleep Apnoea if left untreated?
- High blood pressure
- Higher chance of having a stroke
- Depression or changes in your mood
- Higher chance of having a serious accident caused by tiredness, such as a car accident
- Difficulty concentrating at work
How can you stop snoring and treat Sleep Apnoea?
There are a variety of different treatment methods available for Sleep Apnoea and they range in permanency, effectiveness and cost:
Orthopaedic Pillows
These work by changing the position or elevation of the head to open up the airway and improve breathing. There are many different styles, sizes and shapes available and they can be purchased online. They’re recommended for more mild cases of Sleep Apnoea as a less intrusive option.
Mouthguards
A mouthguard – such as a Somnodent – is worn overnight and works by slightly moving the jaw to open up the airway. It’s important to note that patients can still talk and open/close their mouths and lips whilst wearing the device. These are made bespoke for you with the help of your dentist, are not susceptible to odours and come with a 3 year warranty. We offer these devices here at The Courtyard Clinic so if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with a member of the team!
CPAP Machines
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when muscles in your throat relax enough and soft tissues block your airway. A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine pushes a steady stream of air through a mask that you wear while you sleep to keep your airway open. Whilst these are very effective, they’re certainly not subtle and not everyone can get on with them.
Surgery
This is often the last resort. In some circumstances, a surgery might be recommended. This could be to remove large tonsils or reduce the amount of tissue in the throat. There are a range of different surgeries available, each suitable for different personal circumstances.
So there we have it, an insight into the impact snoring can have on our health and wellbeing as well as a range of different treatment options currently available to treat it. If you’d like to get booked in for a free consultation regarding a mouthguard, just give us a call on 01932 582 949 and we’d be more than happy to get you booked in!
