Sleep apnoea is a common yet serious sleep disorder that affects many Australians. This condition causes repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep, leading to poor quality rest and a range of health issues. Although sleep apnoea is often overlooked, understanding its impact on your overall health is essential for early intervention and effective management.
Quick Guide:
- What is Sleep Apnoea?
- Signs and Symptoms
- How Sleep Apnoea Impacts Your Health
- Impact on Oral Health
- How Dentists Can Help
- Diagnosis and Treatment Options
- Tips for Managing Sleep Apnoea
- When to Seek Help
What is Sleep Apnoea?
Sleep apnoea is a sleep disorder characterised by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. These pauses, known as apnoeas, can last from a few seconds to a minute and may occur multiple times per hour. The three main types of sleep apnoea include:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA): This is the most common form, caused by the relaxation of throat muscles, which leads to airway obstruction.
- Central Sleep Apnoea: This type occurs when the brain fails to send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.
- Complex Sleep Apnoea Syndrome: Also known as treatment-emergent central sleep apnoea, this condition is a combination of both obstructive and central sleep apnoea.
Signs and Symptoms
Common signs and symptoms of sleep apnoea include:
- Loud snoring
- Gasping or choking during sleep
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty concentrating
- Mood changes, such as irritability or depression
- Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for an evaluation.
How Sleep Apnoea Impacts Your Health
Untreated sleep apnoea can significantly impact your physical, mental, and oral health. Below are some short-term and long-term effects of this condition.
Short-Term Effects
- Poor Sleep Quality: Frequent interruptions in breathing lead to fragmented sleep, leaving you feeling tired and unrested.
- Daytime Fatigue: The lack of quality sleep can result in excessive daytime sleepiness, increasing the risk of accidents and impairing your ability to focus.
- Mood Changes: Sleep deprivation can contribute to mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and depression.
Long-Term Effects
- Hypertension: Repeated drops in blood oxygen levels can increase blood pressure, leading to chronic hypertension.
- Heart Disease: Sleep apnoea is linked to an increased risk of heart attacks, arrhythmias, and other cardiovascular issues.
- Stroke: The condition can raise the likelihood of having a stroke due to its impact on blood flow and oxygen levels.
- Type 2 Diabetes: Sleep apnoea can affect the body’s insulin resistance, increasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
- Mental Health Issues: Chronic sleep deprivation is associated with depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline.
Impact on Oral Health
Sleep apnoea can also affect oral health in the following ways:
- Bruxism (Teeth Grinding): Sleep apnoea is often linked to teeth grinding, which can cause jaw pain, tooth damage, and headaches.
- Dry Mouth: Difficulty breathing through the nose may lead to mouth breathing, which increases the risk of dry mouth, tooth decay, and gum disease.
- Gum Disease: Chronic inflammation caused by poor sleep can contribute to an increased risk of gum disease.
How Dentists Can Help
Dentists play an essential role in the detection and management of sleep apnoea. While they are not medical specialists, dentists are often the first to notice signs of sleep apnoea during routine dental check-ups.
Screening for Sleep Apnoea
Dentists can identify potential indicators of sleep apnoea, such as:
- Signs of bruxism (teeth grinding)
- Excessive wear on teeth
- Dry mouth
- Enlarged tongue or tonsils
If a dentist suspects sleep apnoea, they may refer you to a sleep specialist or a general practitioner for further evaluation.
Oral Appliances for Sleep Apnoea
For individuals diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnoea, dentists can provide custom-made oral appliances, also known as mandibular advancement devices (MADs). These devices help keep the airway open during sleep by repositioning the lower jaw and tongue.
Referral Process
Dentists often collaborate with sleep specialists and other healthcare professionals to ensure that patients receive comprehensive care for sleep apnoea. This collaborative approach can improve treatment outcomes and enhance overall health.
Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Proper diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnoea are crucial for managing the condition and preventing complications.
Diagnosis
Sleep apnoea is typically diagnosed through the following methods:
- Sleep Studies: A sleep study, known as polysomnography, monitors your breathing, oxygen levels, heart rate, and brain activity while you sleep.
- Medical History: Your healthcare provider will review your medical history and symptoms.
- Physical Examination: A physical examination may be conducted to assess your airway, neck size, and other relevant factors.
Treatment Options
Treatment options for sleep apnoea include:
- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): This device delivers a continuous stream of air to keep your airway open while you sleep.
- Lifestyle Changes: Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding alcohol, and changing sleep positions can reduce symptoms.
- Oral Appliances: Custom-fitted devices can help manage mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea.
- Surgery: In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to correct structural issues in the airway.
Tips for Managing Sleep Apnoea
While medical treatment is essential, there are lifestyle changes you can make to help manage sleep apnoea symptoms:
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight can contribute to airway obstruction. Losing weight may reduce or even eliminate symptoms.
- Avoid Alcohol and Sedatives: These substances relax the throat muscles, increasing the risk of airway collapse.
- Sleep on Your Side: Sleeping on your back can worsen sleep apnoea symptoms. Using a body pillow can help you maintain a side-sleeping position.
- Establish a Consistent Sleep Schedule: Prioritising good sleep hygiene can improve overall sleep quality.
- Monitor Oral Health: Regular dental check-ups can help identify oral health issues linked to sleep apnoea, such as bruxism and gum disease.
When to Seek Help
If you or a loved one experience symptoms of sleep apnoea, it’s important to seek professional help. Key signs that indicate it’s time to consult a healthcare professional include:
- Loud, chronic snoring
- Gasping or choking during sleep
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Difficulty concentrating
Early intervention and treatment can improve your health, quality of life, and reduce the risk of serious complications.
Conclusion
Sleep apnoea is a serious condition that can significantly impact your overall health and well-being. Early detection and treatment are crucial for preventing long-term complications. As a dentist, I’m committed to working with patients and healthcare professionals to identify and manage sleep apnoea effectively. If you suspect you may have sleep apnoea, don’t hesitate to seek help and take the necessary steps towards better health and quality sleep.
