Snoring and sleep apnoea

Sleep apnoea is a disorder caused when breathing is disrupted during sleep, either through a partial or total temporary cessation in the ability to breathe. The most common type of sleep apnoea is Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA), which arises when the tongue and throat tissues relax during sleep, blocking the airway.

OSA can impact your health in many different ways: headaches, dizziness, day-time sleepiness, clumsiness, depression, anxiety and poor memory are perhaps the least serious. Research suggests that OSA may play a contributing factor in the development of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

It is estimated that 60% of snorers also suffer from OSA. They may wake gasping or choking and experience poor quality sleep. Luckily OSA is a treatable condition and for many patients this treatment may be as simple as wearing a dental appliance at night which is also effective for the treatment of snoring. Others require treatment with a Continuous Positive Air Pressure machine (CPAP).

No one is too old or young to suffer from OSA. If you are a snorer, or suspect you or a loved one may be suffering with OSA, make an appointment for a sleep evaluation consult.

It could save your life.