SLEEP APNOEA YOUR GUIDE TO EFFECTIVE SLEEP APNOEA TREATMENT AT DENTAL PEARLS (07) 3210 2144 Level 2b/181 Elizabeth Street, Brisbane Qld 4000
WHAT IS SLEEP APNOEA? 3 SYMPTOMS OF SLEEP APNOEA 4 HOW DOES SLEEP APNOEA AFFECT BEHAVIOUR? 5 Behavioural effects in children Behavioural effects in adults SLEEP APNOEA TREATMENT 6 WHY VISIT A DENTIST FOR SLEEP APNOEA TREATMENT? 7 SLEEP APNOEA TREATMENT AT DENTAL PEARLS 8
WHAT IS SLEEP APNOEA? Sleep apnoea is an ailment which occurs when there is an obstruction of the airway by the soft tissue of the throat. This obstruction is noticeable when sleeping. Sleep apnoea can also be caused by airways collapsing during a state of relaxation throughout the night and can often be linked with snoring and other symptoms such as start/stop breathing. This loose soft tissue can vibrate whilst you sleep, producing that familiar snoring sound. More severe cases of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) can cause you to stop breathing temporarily, resulting in a reduction of oxygen to the brain. Pauses in breathing can last from a couple of seconds, up to minutes and can occur 30 or more times an hour. When you stop breathing, your body forces itself to spasm and momentarily wake up before resuming a normal breathing pattern. This inconsistency and constant sleep interruption can cause you to feel tired and agitated throughout the day. 3
SYMPTOMS OF SLEEP APNOEA Sleep apnoea can mostly be characterised by its manifestation of loud and persistent snoring. However, there are a number of symptoms which can be a result of sleep apnoea. Night time symptoms such as snoring and choking which are loud or noticeable to yourself and those around you are the most obvious, whilst daytime symptoms, although just as common, are generally not quite as noticeable for friends, family and colleagues. Symptoms will need to identified before any sort of treatment can begin. Although it is important to begin treatment as soon as possible, your dentist must first be able to assess the severity of your case and develop a treatment plan based upon this. If treatment for sleep apnoea is delayed, it could lead to serious health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney problems, heart attack, stroke or death. Symptoms of sleep apnoea include: Snoring Choking/gasping for air Excessive fatigue and exhaustion Morning headaches Morning dry mouth Heartburn in the middle of the night Depression Anxiety Forgetfulness Lack of concentration 4
HOW DOES SLEEP APNOEA AFFECT BEHAVIOUR? Many people don t realise that sleep apnoea and similar sleep-related conditions can actually have a massive effect on your behaviour. This can be seen in both adults and children. BEHAVIOURAL EFFECTS IN CHILDREN Many of the problems which are associated with a lack of attention and compulsive erratic behaviour stem from a restriction in the child s airway. Many children are misdiagnosed with ADHD and similar behavioural problems when in fact; these behaviours are being caused by a lack of sleep due to sleep apnoea and airway concerns. In children who are diagnosed incident with sleep apnoea, the risk of having behavioural issues is four to five times higher than those children without the condition, whilst children who have persistent sleep apnoea are six times more likely to display behavioural issues. Symptoms of sleep apnoea related behavioural issues include: Lack of attention Disruptive behaviours Hyperactivity Social incompetency Self-care Communication BEHAVIOURAL EFFECTS IN ADULTS As with children, adults can experience a number of behaviour related issues due to sleep apnoea. Although these behavioural issues can be persistent, they are often more prominent and noticeable in comparison to your behaviour prior to sleep apnoea. 5
SLEEP APNOEA TREATMENT At, we examine you and get you on the road to better health and a better night s sleep. Depending on the severity of the sleep apnoea, it can be treated in a number of ways. We utilise an anti-snoring appliance which helps to maintain a clear airway and give you an uninterrupted night of sleep. After we assess your sleeping patterns and determine your suitability for treatment, a custom made appliance with be constructed, based off the data which was taken during your sleep assessment. Once your appliance has been fitted correctly, you will be asked to test the appliance each night for a few weeks. Once this period has elapsed, a second assessment of your sleeping patterns will be conducted in order to record any changes since your previous assessment. As such, your appliance will be adjusted accordingly until the snoring or obstruction has stopped completely. 6
WHY VISIT A DENTIST FOR SLEEP APNOEA TREATMENT? You might be wondering why you should be visiting your dentist for sleep apnoea treatment rather than an ear, nose and throat doctor. Dentists are not only trained in sleep medicine but have undergone years of study in treating symptoms affecting the craniofacial form and function. Mode of breathing, malocclusion and total oral health are so inter-related that it only makes sense to be treated holistically by someone who is knowledgeable about your individual condition, rather than separate parties. Working with your dentist to help develop an individual treatment plan can not only help cure any airway concerns, but also manage and reduce the risk of re-occurrence. 7
SLEEP APNOEA TREATMENT AT DENTAL PEARLS The team at, Brisbane are committed to providing our patients with the most effective results, complimented by the best possible service. We understand that sleep apnoea and related airway concerns can be incredibly frustrating, both physically and mentally. This is why we are constantly learning and evolving with modern dentistry to deliver the most innovative treatment, which commands your satisfaction. If you have any sleep-related concerns such as inconsistent sleeping patterns, trouble breathing at night or simply feel exhausted throughout the day, visit for an appointment with Dr Karuna Khatri today! 8