Sleep apnea is a common but potentially serious sleep disorder that affects many people without them even realising it. It occurs when breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, leading to restless nights. Many people might dismiss the signs as simple snoring or fatigue, but untreated sleep apnea can lead to significant issues like heart disease, high blood pressure, and mood disorders. Understanding the early signs can help you identify whether you or a loved one might have sleep apnea, enabling timely intervention and treatment.

If you often feel tired after a full night’s sleep or your partner complains about your loud snoring, it might be time to have a professional check.

Sleep Apnea Symptoms

Here are key signs that may indicate sleep apnea:

  • Loud snoring: Persistent snoring, especially with gasping or choking, may suggest airway obstruction during sleep.
  • Gasping for air: Pauses in breathing followed by choking or gasping can disrupt sleep cycles.
  • Daytime fatigue: Constant tiredness despite a full night’s sleep is a common sign of interrupted sleep.
  • Morning headaches: Frequent morning headaches, are often linked with lower oxygen levels during sleep.
  • Difficulty concentrating: Poor sleep quality may lead to forgetfulness, confusion, and trouble focusing.

How Sleep Apnea Affects Your Health

Sleep apnea can have serious long-term effects on your health:

  • Cardiovascular problems: Increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes, and irregular heartbeats due to disrupted breathing and oxygen levels during sleep.
  • Type 2 diabetes: Sleep apnea raises the likelihood of insulin resistance and glucose imbalances, leading to type 2 diabetes.
  • Mental health issues: Poor sleep affects mood, causing irritability, anxiety, and depression. Cognitive issues like forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating are also common.

Sleep Apnea Treatment

Treating sleep apnea depends on the seriousness of the condition, but there are several effective options available that can significantly improve your quality of life and overall health. Here are some of the most common solutions:

Lifestyle Changes

For mild cases of sleep apnea, lifestyle adjustments can make a significant difference:

  • Weight loss: Shedding excess weight can reduce airway obstruction, decreasing the severity or even resolving sleep apnea.
  • Avoiding alcohol and sedatives: Alcohol and sedative medications relax the throat muscles, which can worsen sleep apnea.
  • Sleep position: Sleeping on your back may cause your tongue and soft tissues to block your airway. Try sleeping on your side to help keep the airway open.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Therapy

CPAP is one of the most effective treatments for moderate to severe sleep apnea. It involves wearing a mask connected to a machine that provides continuous airflow, keeping your airway open while you sleep. This reduces snoring and prevents apneas from occurring, ensuring you get a restful night’s sleep.

Sleep Apnea Mouth Guard

A customised oral appliance, called a Mandibular Advancement Splint (MAS), often called a sleep apnea mouth guard, can be an effective alternative for those with mild to moderate cases of sleep apnea. This device helps keep your airway open by repositioning the lower jaw and tongue during sleep. Cranbourne North Dental can provide a custom-fitted Mandibular Advancement Splint to alleviate your symptoms.

Surgery

In cases where other treatments aren’t effective, surgery may be recommended to address the physical causes of sleep apnea. Surgical options include removing excess tissue from the throat, repositioning the jaw, or even implanting devices to stimulate airway muscles.

Positional Therapy

For some individuals, sleep apnea may only occur when sleeping on their back. Positional therapy involves training the body to sleep in a different position, typically on the side, to prevent airway blockages.

How Do You Get Tested for Sleep Apnea?

Getting tested for sleep apnea is important for diagnosing the condition and starting the right treatment. Here’s what you can expect during the testing process:

1. Sleep Evaluation by a Dentist

Your first step is to visit a healthcare provider, such as a GP or dentist, who will assess your symptoms and medical history. If sleep apnea is suspected, they may recommend a sleep study or refer you to a sleep specialist for further evaluation.

In need of a sleep evaluation? All Sleep consults are currently performed by Dr Daniella Lim – however, all of our dentists are able to do an initial screening to determine if you are required to see Dr Daniella Lim. Book online now.

2. Sleep Study (Polysomnography)

A sleep study, known as polysomnography, is the most accurate way to diagnose sleep apnea. This test monitors your breathing, oxygen levels, heart rate, and brain activity while you sleep.

There are two options for a sleep study:

  • In-lab sleep study: Conducted overnight at a sleep clinic or hospital, where you’re connected to monitoring equipment while you sleep.
  • Home sleep study: For mild to moderate cases, a home sleep study may be recommended. You’ll receive a portable device that monitors your breathing patterns and oxygen levels while you sleep in your own bed.

3. Results and Diagnosis

Once the sleep study is complete, a sleep specialist will review the data to determine whether you have sleep apnea and how severe it is. They will then discuss the best treatment options based on your results.

4. Follow-Up

After diagnosis, it’s important to follow up with your healthcare provider to discuss treatment options and begin managing your sleep apnea effectively. This might include lifestyle changes, the use of a CPAP machine, or a custom sleep apnea mouth guard.

Wondering When to Seek Help?

Recognising the symptoms of sleep apnea is essential, but knowing when to seek help is just as important. If you or a loved one experiences any of the following signs, it may be time to consult a professional. Contact Cranbourne North Dental today to book a consultation for your sleep apnea.