Snoring seems like a harmless—if perhaps annoying—habit, but this nocturnal noise can signal something far more worrisome. Sleep apnoea is a serious medical condition, and while not all snorers have it, snoring is one of the most common signs of the disorder. At Tam Dental Group, we can help you find a diagnosis and treat sleep apnoea, so you can rest easy all night long.
- What Is Sleep Apnoea?
- Sleep Apnoea Symptoms
- Sleep Apnoea Risks
- Sleep Apnoea Treatments
- Sleep Apnoea Treatment Cost
What Is Sleep Apnoea?
Sleep apnoea is a medical condition where your breathing stops periodically while asleep. In most cases, sleep apnoea is caused by a physical blockage to the airway, but sometimes it can occur due to faulty communication between the brain and body. Either way, sleep apnoea results in your brain receiving less oxygen than it needs and you waking up intermittently (often without you knowing it happens) to restart your breathing, causing a multitude of problems.
What Are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnoea?
Most people discover they have sleep apnoea after seeking treatment for snoring, but there are many seemingly unconnected symptoms that can indicate this condition. Some of the most common symptoms of sleep apnoea are:
- Headaches in the morning
- Redness of the eyes (sclera) with the associated bags under the eyes
- Teeth grinding while sleeping
- Fatigue even after a full night’s rest
- Mood swings or feelings of depression
- Increased anxiety or stress
- Memory loss
- Increased risk of cardiovascular stress and events
As you can tell, these symptoms can also indicate other conditions or simply a heavy workload. If you’ve noticed one or more of these signs, reach out to your primary care physician to determine if sleep apnoea could be affecting your health. Your physician and our dentists will work together to provide exceptional care if you are found to have this disorder.
What Risks Are Associated with Sleep Apnoea?
A lack of sleep is just one unfortunate result of sleep apnoea, and it’s not even the worst. These nighttime breathing pauses mean the brain receives less oxygen, which leads to a domino effect for the rest of the body. Some of the serious results of chronic sleep apnoea include:
- Heart disease
- Fatigue
- Acid reflux
- Stroke
- Sexual dysfunction
- Cardiac arrest
- Hypertension
- Insomnia
Some people assume that you must be overweight or obese to develop sleep apnoea, and this is not true. People of all weights, genders, ages, and backgrounds are affected by sleep apnoea. That said, there are lifestyle changes that may be able to help reduce your symptoms if you have OSA (obstructive sleep apnoea), which is caused by a physical blockage of the airway. Losing weight, halting smoking, and avoiding alcohol before sleeping are a few examples.
What Sleep Apnoea Treatments Are Available?
Although sleep apnoea is serious, you have options that can help. The latest techniques and technology make it possible to reduce or even eliminate the risks associated with this condition, giving you better sleep, improved health, and peace of mind. Some of the most popular sleep apnoea treatments are snore guards (mouth guards), CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines, and, when necessary, surgery. Not sure which is the right approach for you? We can help you identify the best course of action for your needs.
How Much Does Sleep Apnoea Treatment Cost?
The price will depend on the treatment used. Snore guards are affordable and simple, which make them popular, but they’re not appropriate for all sleep apnoea sufferers. CPAP is also commonly employed and provides dramatic improvement in the problem. During your consultation, we will review your treatment options and their standard pricing. In many cases, dental insurance will cover most if not all of the cost of your sleep apnoea care. We will review your financial responsibility at the initial consultation, so you’re always prepared for any fees.
Don’t let bad sleep become poor health. Our team can help you identify and manage sleep apnoea using advanced techniques. Talk to us today to get started.