If snoring or sleep apnoea are making life tough, we can help.

What is sleep apnoea?

Sleep apnoea is a condition that affects breathing when you sleep. It causes the airway to become blocked as a result of the muscles in the throat relaxing, narrowing the airway. Apnoea is a term relating to obstructed breathing periods of 10 seconds or longer, which are caused by the airway being completely blocked.

Sleep apnoea affects people in different ways, but in severe cases it can be life-threatening. If you struggle to breathe during the night and this poses a risk to your health, you may be advised to wear a mask during the night to ensure that your body gets the oxygen it needs.

How can we help?

In more minor cases of sleep apnoea, it may be possible to reduce symptoms and improve breathing by making lifestyle changes or using devices that facilitate air flow when you sleep.

Most cases of sleep apnoea are related to body weight. Being overweight increases your risk of developing sleep apnoea because excess fat in the neck increases pressure on the muscles in the throat and excess fat around the waist makes breathing more difficult. Smoking, drinking alcohol and taking some types of medication can also be risk factors. In some cases, making changes to your diet and exercise, giving up smoking, avoiding heavy drinking and avoiding drinking during the evening can improve symptoms. We are able to offer advice and information about making these changes and will be happy to help.

We can also provide devices that adjust the position of the jaw while you sleep and help to increase air flow. Mandibular advancement appliances move the lower jaw forward slightly to prevent blockage and increase the amount of oxygen reaching the lungs.

If you’re struggling to sleep, don’t suffer in silence. Call now to book an appointment.