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:
Causes of sleep apnoea
Obesity is one of the most common causes of sleep apnoea, with other contributors being:
MC Dental can assist with the treatment of sleep apnoea. Call us today on (03) 8608 8968 to book an appointment.