Obstructive sleep apnoea is a severe condition that causes you to cease breathing several times during the night. Without treatment, it can lead to potentially serious health complications. Additionally, it can have a negative impact on your waking life, leaving you irritable and tired throughout the day.
Fortunately, we offer consultations and sleep apnoea treatment in Bondi Junction.
Why Untreated Sleep Apnoea Is So Concerning
When you stop breathing at night (even for brief periods), it is a sleep disruption. Interrupted sleep can affect your mood, energy, and emotional outlook.
Additionally, breathing cessation puts your physical health at risk. Untreated sleep apnoea may lead to the following:
- High blood pressure
- Weight gain
- Sudden stroke
- General anxiety
Unfortunately, some people with sleep apnoea are unaware they have it—not everyone remembers disrupted sleep. Fortunately, there are symptoms associated with the condition that can help you seek a diagnosis and treatment before your health is put at severe risk.
Signs of Sleep Apnoea
Snoring is probably the most commonly reported symptom of sleep apnoea. But if you live alone, no one can tell you you’ve been snoring. And snoring doesn’t necessarily mean you have sleep apnoea.
Other signs include:
- Daytime sleepiness and fatigue
- Mood changes and anxiety
- Difficulty concentrating
- Sore or irritated throat
- Headaches
- Weight gain
Causes and Risk Factors
Obstructive sleep apnoea results from a temporary obstruction of the airway. Anatomical issues may be the culprit—for example, a narrow airway or family history.
Risk factors for developing sleep apnoea include but are not limited to:
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Hypertension
- Long-term nasal congestion
Diagnosing and Treating Sleep Apnoea in Bondi Junction
A sleep specialist can diagnose your sleep apnoea and recommend the right course of treatment. Considerations include the severity of your case and possibly the cause. For example, the doctor may suggest losing weight or quitting smoking as part of treatment.
The CPAP machine is one of the most common treatments for obstructive sleep apnoea. It is a mask hooked up to a machine. It delivers continuous air into the lungs to help keep your airway open during sleep. Unfortunately, some patients can’t acclimate to the bulky machine or the constant airflow.
Your sleep apnoea dentist in Bondi Junction may be able to help through appliance therapy. Our oral appliance is customised to fit over your teeth. It gently urges the lower jaw forward, encouraging the airway to remain open while you sleep. Your dentist and sleep specialist can determine whether appliance therapy is a good option for your sleep apnoea.
Additionally, some patients choose appliance therapy as a secondary sleep apnoea treatment because it is easy to pack away for travel.
Are You Looking for Sleep Apnoea Treatment Near Me?
We aim to provide you with safe and restful sleep. If you suspect sleep apnoea or have already been diagnosed and want to learn more about our treatments, we encourage you to contact a dental team member today to get started.