CPAP is the first line treatment of most sleep Doctors. When a patient is unable or unwilling to wear their CPAP device, the sleep Doctor can recommend an Oral Appliance as a good alternative. Many patients choose this option first, due to issues with claustrophobia, ill fitting masks and sleep partner intolerance to machine noise. A Qualified sleep trained Dentist should be involved in your proper examination and treatment. This includes the choice and production of the appropriate appliance. Proper annual checkups are a necessary part of your treatment.

Yes, children can have sleep apnea related to large adenoids, tonsils, throat and palate shape, as well as other factors. Children also may grind their teeth as a result of sleep disturbances. Some studies note a resulting lower IQ in children with untreated sleep apnea.

The risks of developing a common condition like Obstructive Sleep Apnea increase with being overweight, large neck size, tongue size, excessive alcohol consumption and poor sleep hygiene

There is no single treatment option for the condition as it largely depends on the cause. As a patient, you will undergo a sleep study followed by a review of your medical history and dental history, teeth, periodontal status, jaw joint, hygiene, radiographic examination to determine a diagnosis. The Sleep Doctor will advise either a CPAP machine or an Oral Appliance to treat a simple snoring problem or Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Exercise and weight reduction is also advised as this has a positive impact on the patient’s perception of daytime sleepiness, quality of life and mood state.

Symptoms are often manifested in a partner's loud and persistent snoring punctuated with periods of silence and then gasping or snorting. The individual can experience excessive tiredness during the waking hours, including immediately after waking up, being irritable, high blood pressure and the tendency to doze off while at work, driving or even during conversations. Some patients even have trouble falling asleep.

In its most common form, Obstructive Sleep Apnea occurs when the back of the throat (Oropharynx), tongue and related structures relax during sleep. These structures either completely or partially block the airways causing a total or partial reduction of airflow to the lungs. Obesity is a common contributor of Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Central Sleep Apnea can be a result of accident or stroke.

Sleep Apnea can occur in all ages, but is primarily found among adults starting in their 30s. The condition is most prevalent in adult males above age 49, certain ethnic groups and in the obese. Severely Obese males and females with age greater than 49 years are at greatest risk of Sleep Apnea. Shift workers are also more likely to have sleep disturbances than the general population. These can include increased daytime sleepiness and increased difficulties in falling asleep.

A definitive diagnosis of Sleep Apnea can only be made by conducting a sleep study called Polysomnography (PSG) conducted during a visit to a sleep lab, usually overnight, or a home study performed with special equipment. These studies are done to determine if a patient suffers from a specific sleep disorder. A healthcare professional will monitor and record the results of your sleep to determine your condition and offer treatment options. A sleep study generates several records of activity during several hours of sleep, usually about six. Generally, these records include an electroencephalogram, or EEG, measuring brain waves; an electroculogram, or EOG, measuring eye and chin movements that signal the different stages of sleep; an electrocardiogram, ECG, measuring heart rate and rhythm; chest bands that measure respiration; and additional monitors that sense oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood and record leg movement.

Only a trained medical professional can accurately diagnose Sleep Apnea. This is done by conducting a laboratory sleep study. The results are analysed and treatment options will be discussed.

If you’ve been diagnosed with Sleep Apnea and you are not being treated, your chance of serious medical conditions is significantly greater than the average. Heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, poorly controlled diabetes, and mood alterations. Poor Uncle Fred ‘who died quietly in his sleep’, probably died from a potentially manageable sleep apnea related event.

While the patient is responsible for the treatment fee, in some instances, third party insurance coverage is available. Financing is also available through a third party company. Our staff would be pleased to discuss which options would be right for you.