Sleep apnoea is a prevalent yet often misunderstood sleep disorder that impacts millions of individuals worldwide. If it goes untreated not only can sleep aponea have a negative effect on your day-to-day life, but it can develop into a long-term chronic condition. Let’s look at the top ten most important features of sleep apnoea, delivering helpful advice tailored to your specific needs
Explaining Sleep Apnoea:
Sleep apnoea is a sleep disorder characterised by pauses in breathing or shallow breaths during sleep. It affects the quality of your sleep, leading to daytime fatigue and potentially serious health issues if left untreated.
Recognising Symptoms:
Be vigilant for sleep apnoea symptoms such as loud snoring, gasping for air during sleep, morning headaches, excessive daytime sleepiness, and irritability. If you notice any of these signs, consult Dental Matters for an evaluation and guidance.
Types of Sleep Apnoea:
Understand the types of sleep apnoea, including obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), caused by a blockage of the airway, and central sleep apnoea (CSA), related to the brain’s signalling to breathing muscles. Dental Matters can assist in identifying the type through proper diagnosis.
Health Risks Associated:
Untreated sleep apnoea can lead to serious health risks such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and mood disorders. Identifying and treating sleep apnoea is crucial to preventing these potential health complications.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Diagnosing sleep apnoea involves undergoing sleep studies or polysomnography. Dental Matters can refer you to sleep specialists to conduct these tests and accurately diagnose the severity of your condition.
Treatment Options:
Explore sleep apnoea treatment options ranging from lifestyle changes, such as weight loss and positional therapy, to using continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines or oral appliances.
Role of Oral Appliances:
Customised oral appliances can be an effective treatment for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea. These devices, provided by Dental Matters, help keep your airway open during sleep.
Lifestyle Modifications:
Implementing lifestyle modifications like avoiding alcohol and sedatives, sleeping on your side, and maintaining a regular sleep schedule can significantly improve sleep apnoea symptoms.
Importance of Follow-Up Care:
Regular follow-up appointments with Dental Matters are essential to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment and make necessary adjustments for optimal results.
Collaborative Approach to Care:
Dental Matters takes a collaborative approach, working with sleep specialists and other healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive care for your sleep apnoea.
Understanding the complexities of sleep apnoea empowers you to take proactive steps towards managing this sleep disorder.
Take the first step toward better sleep and improved health by scheduling a consultation at Dental Matters. Contact us at (08) 8234 5020 or visit us at Dental Matters.
