What Is Snoring?
Snoring is a common problem that can affect people of all ages and can have a significant impact on sleep quality. It is caused by the vibration of the soft tissues in the upper airway during sleep and can be a symptom of a more serious condition called sleep apnoea.
The importance of addressing snoring and sleep apnoea lies in the fact that they can have serious consequences on both physical and mental health. Poor sleep quality, which can be caused by snoring and sleep apnoea, has been linked to a range of health problems, including obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke. It can also negatively impact mental health. Problems such as depression, anxiety, memory loss and difficulty concentrating are common symptoms amongst the patients that seek treatment.
In addition to the health consequences, snoring can also have social and relational consequences. It can lead to sleep deprivation for both the person who snores and their bed partner and can cause conflict and strain in relationships. Snoring can also be a source of embarrassment for the person who snores, leading to social isolation and reduced quality of life.
Fortunately, there are several treatment options available for snoring and sleep apnoea. Lifestyle changes, such as losing weight and/or reassessing your nutrition, quitting smoking, and sleeping on your side, and conservative therapy options such as Myofunctional Therapy can be effective in reducing snoring and improving sleep quality. Medical treatments, such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, dental appliances, and surgery are also very effective and affordable treatment options.
CPAP therapy involves the use of a machine that delivers a continuous flow of air through a mask worn during sleep to help keep the airway open. There is great evidence for this first line therapy although many patients tend to complain of its difficulty and uncomfortable use.
Lifestyle changes can be effective in reducing snoring and improving sleep quality, but they may not be entirely sufficient. We love to recommend several home remedies that may help reduce snoring, such as sleeping on your side, elevating the head of your bed, avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bedtime, and keeping the bedroom humid. Prioritising good sleep hygiene in order to promote healthy sleep patterns is a factor that should be considered when treating snoring. This includes establishing a regular sleep schedule, creating a comfortable sleep environment, and engaging in relaxation techniques before bedtime.
Here at QLD Dental Sleep Therapy we offer dental appliances, also known as mandibular advancement devices. These “mouth guards” work by bringing the lower jaw forward to help keep the airway open. Mandibular advancement devices are the gold standard for treating snoring with success rates of over 80% and years of sound scientific studies to back efficacy. As dentists have a prime view of the airway we can refer you off to see an Ear Nose, Throat specialist where surgery may be recommended in certain cases to remove excess tissue from the airway or to repair structural abnormalities.
It is important to consult a medical professional if you are experiencing chronic snoring or suspect you may have sleep apnoea. They can help diagnose the underlying cause of your snoring and recommend the most appropriate treatment option. Getting proper treatment can help improve sleep quality, increase energy levels, and reduce the risk of serious health problems. We encourage all those suffering from snoring to get effectively screened by a proper professional who understands airways.
QLD Dental Sleep Therapy take pride in treating this area and improving the quality of life for our patients. Our clinicians have done further study on top of their dental degrees to to able to appropriately and effectively help with this problem. In conclusion snoring and sleep apnoea are common problems that can have serious consequences on physical and mental health. There are several treatment options available, including lifestyle changes, medical treatments, and home remedies and we recommend seeking treatment from appropriate clinicians to help solve which is the best individual treatment for you.
