A Simple Orthodontic Solution To Sleep Apnoea
To
function at your prime, the average adult requires 7-8 hours sleep each night.
But if you feel tired, listless or unrefreshed even after clocking up a full
night’s sleep then chances are you may have undiagnosed Obstructive Sleep
Apnoea.
Sleep
apnoea is estimated to affect more than a quarter of middle-aged males and
around 10 per cent of females, but in welcome news, orthodontic intervention is
emerging as one of the more successful and less invasive treatment options.
Here’s an
insight into Obstructive Sleep Apnoea, and how an orthodontic appliance might
be just the simple treatment option you need.
What is Obstructive Sleep Apneoa
Affecting
more than a quarter of Australian middle-aged males and around 10 per cent of
females in the same age bracket, Obstructive Sleep Apnoea occurs when the
muscles in the tongue and throat relax during sleep and partially or completely
block the airway.
It not
only reduces the ability to gain sufficient rest but can lead to serious and
long-term health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and
increased risk of stroke.
The first
sign you may have Obstructive Sleep Apnoea is snoring, with between 60 and 70
per cent of people who snore suffering some degree of the condition.
As we
sleep the muscles of the body completely relax. In Obstructive Sleep Apnoea the
soft tissues and tongue collapse and are sucked against the back of the throat
restricting or blocking air flow. These apnoeas, or periods without breath, can
last from 10 seconds to a minute or longer.
When this
lack of air causes the sleeper’s blood oxygen level to drop low enough, the
brain sends a wake-up signal. The sleeper partially awakens with a gasp or
snort and the throat obstruction clears. The sufferer resumes sleep but the
cycle starts again, with severe cases causing individuals to awaken more than
30 times an hour.
While
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea can occur at any age, it is most common in men aged 40
to 65. Contributing factors include obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption,
caffeine, allergies, a family history and facial structure.
It not
only affects quality of life, leaving the sufferer feeling unrefreshed, but can
result in increased risk of motor vehicle and workplace accidents due to
fatigue, decreased libido, diabetes, heart failure, elevated blood pressure,
stroke, depression, and mood swings.
The good
news is, once diagnosed, Obstructive Sleep Apnoea is treatable.
Do you have OSA?
One of the
leading symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea is snoring, with 60 to 70 per cent
of people who snore suffering the condition. Ironically, those who snore may
not even be aware they do it unless some else lets them know.
The snoring
usually commences shortly after the individual goes to sleep and continues at a
regular pace for a period of time, gradually getting louder.
In
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea this is followed by a brief period of silence where
there is little or no breathing and then a loud snort or gasp as the sleeper
partially awakens to clear their airway. The snoring then resumes and the cycle
continues.
While the
snoring and awakening cycle is the primary symptom of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea,
there are other signs.
The top
symptoms you may have Obstructive Sleep Apnoea include:
·
Snoring
·
Loud gasping during sleep
·
Daytime fatigue
·
General sleepiness
·
Unintentionally falling asleep during the day
·
Insomnia
·
Regularly awakening to go to the bathroom
·
Diagnosis of OSA
If you
believe you may be suffering Obstructive Sleep Apnoea, a general practitioner
is the first port of call.
They will
refer you have a sleep study undertaken. This involves an overnight analysis of
your sleep patterns to determine whether you have Obstructive Sleep Apnoea and
the severity of your condition. This will also determine which treatments will
best suit.
The sooner
the condition is diagnosed the sooner treatment can commence, and the fewer
ongoing health complications that will arise.
What are the risks if OSA if untreated?
If left
untreated, Obstructive Sleep Apnoea not only affects an individual’s quality of
life, but may also have serious consequences for their long-term health.
Most
complications can be attributed to the oxygen deprivation incurred during
apnoea, but the repeated awakenings also stop sufferers from attaining a deep,
restful sleep which is imperative for the body to repair itself and maintain
the immune system. The wake-up signal the brain sends to the sleeper also causes
a spike in adrenaline.
Serious health implications include:
Cardiovascular
disease
High blood
pressure
Heart
failure
Stroke
Obesity
Diabetes
Disturbed
heart rhythms
Depression
The lack
of sleep can also result in:
Moodiness
Fatigue
Decreased
libido
Lack of
concentration
Less
ability to problem solve
Increased
risk of motor vehicle and workplace accidents
Headaches
Memory
loss
Treatment Options for OSA
There is
no permanent cure for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea but a number of successful
treatment options are available including ventilators, orthodontic appliances
and surgery, depending on the cause and severity of the apnoea.
Oral appliances
One of the
most convenient options available, oral appliances like SomnoDent are
custom-made by an orthodontist and worn during the night. Technically called a
Mandibular Advancement Splint, it works by shifting the jaw slightly forward to
keep the airway open.
Painless,
non-invasive and adjustable, it resembles a clear mouth guard and is as simple
to use as a retainer, providing a discrete, comfortable treatment option that
can be travelled with easily. Once fitted, your orthodontist works with your
medical practitioner to assess and evaluate effectiveness and provide
adjustments as required.
Mandibular
Advancement Splints are viewed as one of the most effective alternative
treatments for individuals with Obstructive Sleep Apnoea, based on 40 years of
scientific studies. They are now designated by the Australian Sleep Association
and American Academy of Sleep Medicine as a key treatment for snoring and sleep
apnoea.
Making the orthodontic choice
If you
have been diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnoea, then Norwest Orthodontics
can assist.
Orthodontic
appliances are emerging as one of the most effective treatments for sleep
apnoea. They not only treat the condition by opening the airways but do so in a
manner that is discrete, comfortable, portable and as simple as inserting a
mouth guard overnight.
About
Norwest Orthodontics
Norwest Orthodontics specialises in Orthodontics for
Children, Orthodontics
for Teenagers . We feature a range of orthodontic treatments that span from
early intervention right through to remedial adult work.
We also have a suite of orthodontic treatment
available that include Damon
Braces, insignia treatment,
somnodent Australia and
welcome the opportunity to work with you to achieve the smile you’ve always
dreamed of.
You can learn more about our services, or contact us
to make an appointment.
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