Sleep apnoea is a serious sleep disorder that causes you to stop breathing during sleep. This is typically due to an obstructed airway, and the lack of oxygen signals your brain to wake you up. Patients with severe sleep apnoea may be waking up hundreds of times throughout the night without even realising it.
Understanding Sleep Apnoea
Sleep apnoea can be tricky to diagnose on your own since it happens during sleep. However, some of the signs to be aware of are:
- Loud snoring that keeps your bed partner awake
- Waking up coughing or gasping
- Frequent headaches, especially in the morning
- Pauses in breathing (your bed partner might notice)
- Waking with a sore throat
- Dry mouth
If you struggle with sleep apnoea, you might also notice that you feel exhausted even after a full night's rest, or that you suffer from chronic fatigue. Sleep apnoea may also contribute to mood swings or depression.
We Can Help with Sleep Apnoea
At Forster Tuncurry Dental & Implants, we offer a comfortable alternative to continuous positive air pressure (CPAP) therapy with a customised oral appliance. CPAP therapy requires you to wear a mask during sleep, which many patients find uncomfortable.
We use a mandibular advancement splint (MAS) to gently reposition your jaw forward, opening your airway for clear breathing during sleep.
Talk with our team on (02) 6557 6868 for more information on how an MAS snoring appliance can help you.