At City Dental Leeds, we don’t just look after teeth and gums, we also provide treatment for sleep disorders such as snoring and sleep apnoea. If you’re struggling with sleep, we can help.
What is sleep apnoea and what risks does it pose?
Sleep apnoea is a sleep disorder that affects breathing. It can be very serious and even life-threatening in severe cases. Apnoea is classed as interrupted breathing for 10 second periods and it is caused by the airway becoming obstructed. This obstruction reduces airflow and decreases the amount of oxygen travelling around the body.
The most common signs of sleep apnoea are gasping for breath, heavy breathing, loud snoring and struggling to breathe while you sleep. It is also very common to wake during the night and to wake up in the morning feeling like you’ve not slept well. Many people suffer from daytime tiredness and a loss of concentration as a result of disturbed sleep patterns at night.
Possible complications of sleep apnoea include:
- high blood pressure
- increased risk of accidents (caused by slow reactions, tiredness and reduced cognitive function associated with lack of sleep)
- diabetes
What causes sleep apnoea and what can be done to help?
The most common risk factors for sleep apnoea include:
- being overweight
- having extra fat around the neck
- drinking alcohol
- smoking
- family history
- taking sedatives or sleeping tablets
Often, making positive lifestyle choices such as doing more exercise, eating a healthy diet, giving up smoking, losing weight and cutting out alcohol in the evenings can help to reduce symptoms. However, in some cases additional treatment may be recommended. In severe cases, a form of treatment known as CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) is recommended. This involves wearing a mask that helps you to breathe during the night. In milder cases, we can provide a mandibular advancement appliance, which is a custom-made device that moves the lower jaw forward slightly to increase airflow. By adjusting the position of the jaw, the airway remains open while you sleep.
Tags: Sleep Apnea Central Leeds, sleep apnea Leeds, Sleep apnoea Central Leeds, Sleep apnoea treatment City of Leeds
