Snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea
Is snoring keeping you awake at night? It’s estimated that over 45% of the population snores, leading to disrupted sleep for the sufferer and their bed partner.
Did you realise that your dentist can help? Penn Hill Dental now offer a range of dental appliances for the treatment of sleep disorders and snoring.
What is snoring?
Simple snoring is the noise resulting from a partial closure of the airway during sleep. It is estimated that over 45% of the population snores, leading are suspected of to disrupted sleep for the sufferer – and their bed partner. Ranging from 50-100 decibels, the equivalent of a pneumatic drill, snoring can lead to relationship issues, daytime sleepiness, increased stress & depression.
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)?
OSA is caused by the repeated collapsing of the airway during sleep, resulting in complete (apnoea) or partial (hypopnea) obstruction of airflow for 10 seconds or more. Left untreated, these regular disruptions can lead to serious consequences for the sufferer, including increased blood pressure, heightened risk of cardiovascular disease, strokes, diabetes and excessive daytime sleepiness.
Typically taking place in conjunction with snoring, obstructive sleep apnoea is most prevalent in middle -age, affecting 4% of
males and 2% of females, until hormonal changes in menopause, appear to balance the gender difference.
Crucially, whilst most OSA sufferers are aware that they do not wake up feeling refreshed following sleep, most – just like the simple snorer – are unaware that they can seek help from their dentist, often consulting their GP instead.
Contact us today to discuss the treatments we have available to combat snoring.