Understanding Sleep Apnea: How It Affects Your Health and How to Find Relief

Millions of children and adults suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition that causes stop-and-start breathing cycles when sleeping. These apneic episodes can happen several times a night, depriving sufferers of a good night’s sleep. Unfortunately, sleep deprivation causes numerous health problems, including cardiovascular complications.

Flinders Dental Practice offers sleep apnea treatments in Flinders, Victoria, restoring your sleep, health, and life. If you suspect sleep apnea, schedule an appointment with our team.

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep-disordered breathing condition that causes breathing cessations when sleeping. Sleep apnea can be obstructive or central. OSA is the most common, affecting 80% of sleep apnea sufferers. OSA occurs when the soft tissues in the throat relax too much, blocking the airway. This blockage lasts a scary 10 seconds or more and can recur up to a hundred times a night! Breathing stoppages cause frequent awakenings, so you never experience restorative sleep.

What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?

Loud snoring is often the first and most obvious sign of sleep apnea. While occasional snoring can be harmless, persistent and loud snoring accompanied by the following symptoms may indicate obstructive sleep apnea.

  • Choking or gasping for air when sleeping
  • Daytime fatigue and sleepiness
  • Irritability or mood changes
  • Headaches in the morning
  • Reduced sex drive
  • Poor concentration
  • Waking up with a dry or sore throat

Loud snoring isn’t just a nuisance—it could be a warning sign of a more serious health problem. If you are a chronic snorer or experience other sleep apnea symptoms, seek treatment today. Untreated sleep apnea can increase the risk of conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.

How is sleep apnea treated?

If you seek sleep apnea treatment from a mainstream doctor, they’ll most likely recommend CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy. A CPAP machine delivers a steady stream of pressurised air through a mask worn over your nose and/or mouth while you sleep. A CPAP device keeps the airway open, allowing uninterrupted breathing throughout the night.

Although CPAP therapy has a long history of success in treating mild to moderate OSA, it isn’t the right fit for everyone. Many patients find adapting challenging because of discomfort, noise, and irritation. For those who find CPAP therapy intolerable, alternative treatments like oral appliance therapy offer a more comfortable and convenient solution. These custom-fitted dental devices reposition the jaw and tongue to keep the airway open. Consistent wear improves your sleep quality and overall life.

What are the benefits of oral appliances for sleep apnea?

A sleep apnea nightguard is customised after taking your bite impressions. The nightguard provides a comfortable and effective treatment for mild to moderate sleep apnea.

Here are the benefits of oral appliances.

  • Treatment is simple to use
  • It’s lightweight and compact, perfect for travel
  • Easy maintenance
  • No buzzing or machine sounds to disrupt your sleep or your partner’s
  • Many insurance providers cover it
  • It doesn’t need electricity to operate

Do you need sleep apnea treatment near Flinders?

Getting a professional evaluation is important if you or a loved one suspect sleep apnea. Untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health complications. Call Flinders Dental Practice at (03) 5989-1129 today to schedule your appointment and start your journey toward better sleep and improved health.