Effective Treatment for
Sleep Apnoea in Yokine Awaits

Sleep apnoea is commonly triggered by an obstruction in the airway, usually resulting from excessive relaxation of throat muscles during sleep. Contributing factors can include:

• Obstruction in the Airway:
  This usually occurs when throat muscles overly relax during sleep, causing a blockage.
• Anatomy:
  Certain physical traits, like a narrow throat, enlarged tonsils, or a large tongue, can increase the risk.
• Obesity:
  Excess weight, particularly in the neck area, can contribute to airway narrowing.
• Ageing:
  As people age, they may experience a loss of muscle tone in the throat, increasing the risk of sleep apnoea.
• Lifestyle Choices:
  Smoking is known to cause inflammation and fluid retention in the airway, which can be a contributing factor.
• Family History:
  Genetics can play a role, with a higher risk if family members have sleep apnoea.

Understanding these root causes is essential for creating an effective sleep apnoea treatment plan, generally established through comprehensive diagnostic steps such as sleep studies.

The common symptoms of sleep apnoea encompass a range of sleep disruptions and daytime challenges, including:

• Loud snoring.
  This is often disruptive and is usually noticed by a partner.
• Intermittent pauses in breathing.
  These pauses may be accompanied by gasping or choking sounds.
• Feeling tired or fatigued during the daytime.
  This is usually experienced despite spending adequate time in bed.
• Morning headaches.
  This is usually experienced together with difficulty in concentrating, making cognitive tasks more challenging due to a lack of restful sleep.
• Mood changes and increased irritability.
  Patients who lack restful sleep are prone to mood swings and are more irritable.
• Elevated levels of blood pressure.
  During apnoea episodes, oxygen levels in the blood drop, triggering a physiological response that raises blood pressure. Over time, unmanaged sleep apnoea can lead to chronic hypertension, which is a risk factor for various cardiovascular conditions.

Recognising these symptoms is critical for diagnosing and managing sleep apnoea.

Diagnosing and managing sleep apnoea involves a multi-step approach for accurate identification and effective treatment. Here’s an overview:

Diagnosis

• Initial Consultation:
  A visit to a healthcare provider to discuss symptoms and possibly undergo a physical examination.
• Sleep Studies:
  Polysomnography involves overnight monitoring while you sleep, either at home or in a sleep clinic.

• Home Sleep Apnoea Test (HSAT):
  A simplified sleep study that can be done in the comfort of your home, although it’s generally less comprehensive than polysomnography.

Management

• Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP):
  The use of this machine is a standard in sleep apnoea. The CPAP machine helps keep your airways open while you sleep.
• Bi-Level Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP):
  Similar to CPAP but with variable pressure settings for more comfort.
• Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs):
  These dental appliances reposition your lower jaw forward to help keep your airway open. Unlike the CPAP machine, which involves wearing a mask over the nose and/or mouth, MADs are compact, comfortable, and non-intrusive. They are known to significantly reduce snoring and the frequency of apnoea events, leading to improved sleep quality for patients. Better sleep contributes to increased daytime alertness and improved overall well-being.
• Lifestyle Changes:
  Weight loss, quitting smoking, and changing sleep positions can sometimes alleviate symptoms.
• Surgery:
  In severe cases or when other treatments fail, surgical options like uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) or genioglossus advancement (GA) may be considered.

Consulting with healthcare professionals and possibly undergoing sleep studies are key steps in diagnosing sleep apnoea. Subsequent management is generally tailored to individual patient needs. The experienced dentists at Sage Dental can help you address symptoms through sleep apnoea devices and other dental-related procedures.

Bite splints or night guards can be an effective treatment option for certain types of sleep apnoea. It can particularly help with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). OSA is characterised by the partial or complete blockage of the airway during sleep due to relaxed throat muscles. Here’s how these oral sleep apnoea devices generally work:

• Jaw Repositioning:
  These dental appliances are designed to shift the lower jaw forward, thereby increasing the size of the upper airway. This can reduce airway obstruction.
• Tongue Stabilisation:
  By moving the jaw forward, these devices also help to keep the tongue in a position that is less likely to block the airway.
• Ease of Use:
  Bite splints and night guards are generally easy to use, requiring no electricity or machinery.
• Portability:
  These devices are compact and easy to carry, making them convenient for travel.
• Customisation:
  Many dental appliances are custom-fitted for maximum effectiveness and comfort.

This targeted approach can lead to significant improvements in sleep quality and overall well-being for individuals with OSA. However, while it is helpful for mild to moderate cases, these devices are generally not recommended for severe sleep apnoea. Consult a healthcare provider for a comprehensive diagnosis and management plan. Sleep studies may be included to determine a suitable sleep apnoea treatment for your condition.

The comfort level of bite splints or night guards can vary from person to person. Generally, they are designed to be as comfortable as possible. Here are some factors that influence their comfort:

• Custom Fit:
  Bite splints and night guards used for managing sleep apnoea are custom-fitted to the patient’s dental anatomy. They are generally more comfortable than over-the-counter options. A pre-made mouthguard may not fit your mouth properly and can be uncomfortable to wear.
• Material:
  The choice of material can influence how comfortable the device feels in your mouth. They are usually made from soft or hard acrylic material.
• Adjustment Period:
  There is usually an adjustment period where you may experience some discomfort or minor issues like excessive salivation. These often subside as you get used to the device.
• Professional Guidance:
  Proper fitting and regular adjustments by healthcare professionals contribute to maintaining the device’s comfort and effectiveness over time.

On average, you might expect a custom-fitted bite splint or night guard to last between 6 months and three years. The longevity of bite splints or night guards depends on a variety of factors:

• Material Quality:
  Hard acrylic materials usually have a longer lifespan compared to softer variants.
• Frequency of Use:
  Devices used nightly may wear out more quickly than those used less often.
• Individual Oral Behaviours:
  Teeth grinding or jaw clenching can accelerate the wear and tear on the device.
• Maintenance:
  Consistent cleaning and appropriate storage can help prolong the device’s life.
• Professional Assessment:
  Routine dental visits allow your dentist to monitor the device’s condition and help determine when a replacement is due.

While over-the-counter night guards are readily available and less expensive than custom-made options, they are generally not recommended as sleep apnoea devices. Here’s why:

• Limited Effectiveness:
  Over-the-counter night guards are not specifically designed to address the complexities of sleep apnoea. They may not provide the necessary adjustments to keep the airway open.
• Lack of Customisation:
  These one-size-fits-all options may not fit properly, potentially leading to discomfort or ineffectiveness.
• Potential for Complications:
  Improper fit can exacerbate jaw problems or lead to additional oral health issues.
• No Professional Guidance:
  Without the oversight of a healthcare provider, you may miss essential adjustments or ignore signs that the treatment is not effective.

Our healthcare professionals at Sage Dental will diagnose and design a treatment plan that may include a custom-fitted device.

If not addressed, sleep apnoea and snoring can have a multitude of negative impacts on your health. Here are some potential consequences:

• Cardiovascular Problems:
  Sleep apnoea is linked to a host of cardiovascular issues. It may result in high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, and an increased risk of heart disease.
• Type 2 Diabetes:
  Those with unmanaged sleep apnoea have a higher risk of insulin resistance, often a precursor to Type 2 diabetes.
• Liver Function:
  The condition can also affect liver function, contributing to fatty liver disease and higher levels of liver enzymes.
• Cognitive Impairments:
  Issues with memory, concentration, and even an increased risk of dementia have been noted in those with unmanaged sleep apnoea.
• Emotional Well-Being:
  The condition can lead to mood swings, anxiety, and depression due to poor sleep quality.
• Weight Gain:
  Lack of restorative sleep can contribute to weight gain, which, in a vicious cycle, can further exacerbate sleep apnoea symptoms.
• Daytime Fatigue:
  The constant interruption in sleep leads to daytime fatigue, affecting work performance and quality of life.
• Lower Immune Function:
  Reduced sleep quality can impair the immune system, making one more susceptible to illnesses.

Unmanaged sleep apnoea and snoring can significantly impact overall health. Timely intervention is essential to mitigate risks and other health complications. Please don’t hesitate to book a consultation appointment at Sage Dental for treatment for sleep apnoea in Yokine. Our experienced team is dedicated to helping you achieve better sleep and improved health.