Snoring & Sleep Apnoea
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Snoring & Sleep Apnoea Treatment
Just about everyone snores every now and then, and it is generally nothing to worry about. However if you regularly snore at night, it can disrupt the quality of your sleep, leading to daytime tiredness, irritability and health issues. If your snoring keeps your partner awake, it can create strains on your relationship too.
Since people snore for different reasons, it’s important to understand the causes behind your snoring. Once you understand why you snore, you can find the right solutions to a quieter, deeper sleep—for both you and your partner.
Common causes of snoring may include:
- Age
- Being overweight
- Narrow airway
- Nasal and sinus problems
- Alcohol, smoking and medications
- Sleeping flat on your back
A more serious sleep disorder can also be the underlying cause of snoring. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) occurs when your breathing is briefly interrupted many times each night. Normal snoring doesn’t interfere with the quality of your sleep as much as sleep apnea, so if you’re suffering from extreme fatigue and sleepiness during the day, it could be an indication of OSA.
It is recommended that patients undergo a sleep study in a hospital sleep lab, so a proper diagnosis can be achieved prior to use of an MAS splint or CPAP. There are a number of treatment options for Snoring and OSA, including:
- Weight loss
- The Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Apparatus (CPAP)
- Mandibular Advancement Splints (MAS), also known as anti-snoring splint
- Corrective airway surgery
OSA is a serious health risk affecting approximately 1.2 million (one in twenty) Australians. It’s strongly tied to a number of other health issues. Regular snorers have a 33% increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Patients with OSA are four times more likely to have a heart attack or stroke. We can liaise with your GP and sleep physicians to help you get better sleep at night and feel more energized during the day. Treating your snoring or potential OSA not only helps rescue your relationship, improve your quality of life, it often can be life-changing!
