Sleep apnoea occurs when the walls of the throat come together during sleep, blocking off the upper airway & stopping breathing for a period of time. It generally lasts for a few seconds or up to one minute, until the brain registers the lack of breathing or drop in oxygen levels and sends a small wake-up call. The sleeper rouses slightly, opens the upper airway, typically snorts and gasps, then drifts back to sleep almost immediately.

Symptoms
Some of the associated symptoms of sleep apnoea include:

• Daytime sleepiness, fatigue and tiredness
• Poor concentration
• Irritability and noticeable mood changes
• Impotence and reduced sex drive
• Frequently going to the bathroom at nighttime.

Causes of sleep apnoea
Obesity is one of the most common causes of sleep apnoea, with other contributors being:

• Alcohol (especially in the evening as it relaxes the throat muscles & hampers the brains reaction to breathing)
• Sleeping tablets and sedatives (or similar medications)
• Nasal congestion and obstruction
• Facial bone shape and muscle size (such as an undershot jaw)
• Certain illnesses such as reduced thyroid production or an enlarged goitre.
• Large tonsils (especially in children)

MC Dental can assist with the treatment of sleep apnoea. Call us today on (03) 8608 8968 to book an appointment.