Diagnosing and Treating Snoring, Sleep Apnoea and Disordered Breathing
64 percent of Australians say their sleep is affected by snoring—either their own or that of a partner. That’s noticeably more than the other nationalities surveyed in a 2023 study commissioned by WebMD. Snoring can indicate more serious breathing issues, such as disordered breathing and obstructive sleep apnoea.
If your snoring is preventing you or your partner from getting a good night’s sleep, it can significantly impact both physical and mental health. It can also put a genuine strain on your relationship. The good news is that snoring, sleep apnoea in Brighton, and disordered breathing can all be treated, meaning reduced health risks, better sleep and an improved quality of life.
Why Do People Snore?
Snoring is the sound caused by vibrations in the airway while breathing. It can have different root causes, including blocked or narrow airways and low muscle tone. Snoring can affect both sexes but is slightly more common in men than women. The following factors can exacerbate it:
- Being overweight
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Sleeping on your back
Snoring is usually not serious. However, it can sometimes be a symptom of other health problems, including sleep apnoea, disordered breathing, or cardiovascular disease.
About Disordered Breathing
Also known as breathing dysfunction, breathing distress, or dyspnoea, disordered breathing is a condition in which an individual tends to breathe rapidly through the mouth, holding tension in the shoulders, and breathing using the upper chest. It causes symptoms associated with hyperventilation, including breathlessness, chest pain, and tightness in the chest and throat. Disordered breathing is more common than you might think. Studies suggest it affects around one in ten people.
Sleep Apnoea
Most of us have heard of sleep apnoea, a condition that causes people to briefly stop breathing while asleep. People with sleep apnoea tend to suddenly jerk awake as they take a breath, which leads to disturbed sleep and can place extra strain on the heart and lungs. It is often associated with other health conditions such as diabetes, stroke, and hypertension.
Get Advice From Your Dentist
Your dentist is uniquely equipped to identify signs of disordered breathing and to offer advice on snoring, as many of the signs are most apparent in the mouth and throat. As with most health conditions, early detection is key to successful resolution.
If your dentist identifies warning signs, we can discuss the possible treatment options and help you with any necessary referrals. This might include referring you to an ENT specialist or a sleep physician if the symptoms are severe.
Treating snoring and sleep apnoea are two of the many common dental problems we treat at our clinic.
Treating Snoring, Sleep Apnoea and Disordered Breathing
There are several treatment options, and the best course of action will depend on your specific symptoms, their severity and any other health conditions you might have. In some cases, it could be a case of making some lifestyle changes such as sleeping on your side, losing weight, quitting smoking or cutting down on alcohol consumption. Some patients do find improvements when also using a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine. Modern CPAP machines are vastly improved from loud older models, are generally quieter when operating and more comfortable. If these options aren’t viable or are difficult to wear, then a mandibular advanced splint may help.
If you have questions regarding dental splints or the costs involved, please consult your dentist.
Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMD) treatment might be recommended in other cases. In most cases, TMD is a condition that your dentist can treat without the need for further specialist referrals.
No two patients are the same, so if you are concerned about snoring, sleep apnoea or disordered breathing, book a consultation. It is the first step the first step towards a peaceful night’s sleep.
Schedule an Appointment Today
We offer same-day visits and late opening hours that work around your schedule. If you find that you are having issues sleeping solidly, perhaps you may have a sleeping disorder that can be attended to. Contact our team today to discuss. We’re providers with Medibank, HCF, and MDF. You can claim your health fund rebate on the spot with our HICAPS machine.
* Any invasive or surgical procedure may carry risks. Before moving forward, it is recommended that you seek a second opinion from an appropriately licensed medical professional.
FAQ Regarding Snoring and Sleep Apnoea
What is the difference between sleep-disordered breathing and sleep apnoea?
What is the main cause of snoring?
Obstructed airways are the most common cause of snoring. If airflow through the nose and throat becomes partially blocked, it often leads to snoring. There can be various root causes, including nasal congestion, enlarged tonsils or a deviated septum.
Why do people with sleep apnoea stop breathing?
Obstructive sleep apnoea takes place when the muscles that support the throat’s soft tissue relax, causing the airway to narrow or close. This temporarily cuts off breathing.
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Does snoring mean I am unhealthy?
Not necessarily. Occasional mild snoring is not usually a serious problem and is more likely to be a nuisance for your partner simply. However, severe or long-term snoring can disrupt sleep patterns and could be symptomatic of some other health disorders, such as sleep apnoea or even cardiovascular disease.
Can snoring be cured?
Various treatment options can reduce or eliminate snoring. These range from lifestyle changes such as weight loss to wearing a mouth guard to prevent the tongue from blocking the airway. Occasionally, surgery might be recommended to correct a blocked airway in very severe cases.
Do snore strips work?
Like many over-the-counter remedies, snore strips might reduce snoring when it is due to a temporary nasal blockage or congestion, for example if you have a cold or hay fever. However, they are unlikely to help with severe or chronic snoring conditions.