Snoring & Sleep Apnoea

Common causes of snoring may include:

• Age
• Fatigue
• 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 a MAS (Mandibular Advancement 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! So contact Smithfield Dental today for a better nights sleep!