How to Stop Snoring and Fix Sleep Apnea
The 2023 Snoring and Sleep Report found that 64% of Australians either snore or are affected by someone snoring. Snoring happens when air flows past relaxed throat tissues, making them vibrate while you breathe. For a lot of people, snoring is an occasional occurrence, although for others it becomes a chronic problem and may indicate a sleep disorder called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Keep reading to learn how to stop snoring and alleviate sleep apnea with the help of Northern Beaches Dental Practice in Frenchs Forest.
Snoring and Sleep Apnea: What’s The Difference?
Our dentists help patients uncover solutions to address the annoyance of snoring and the potential health risks associated with sleep apnea. Both can have disruptive effects on sleep quality and overall health. Snoring is the hoarse noise that comes from airflow moving through your throat and mouth as your muscles relax during sleep. Snoring can occur on its own or, if it’s loud and frequent, be a symptom of sleep apnea. This is a condition where the airway’s upper passages close off, interrupting normal breathing and depriving oxygen until you wake up and begin breathing once more.
Health Risks Associated with Sleep Apnea
People with sleep apnea typically snore loudly followed by a sudden pause in breathing and gagging sounds. When this condition goes unchecked, it can increase the risk of high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms, heart attack and stroke. Even mild cases of sleep apnea can lead to excessive tiredness and difficulty concentrating throughout the day. That’s why it’s so important to find solutions to alleviate snoring and address sleep apnea for better well-being.
Strategies to Stop Snoring
Given the potential health consequences of untreated sleep apnea, including cardiovascular issues, daytime fatigue, and decreased cognitive function, strategies to stop snoring are worth exploring. There are practical tips and lifestyle changes that may improve sleep quality, promoting overall wellness through effective sleep management. To help individuals reduce or eliminate snoring, we recommend maintaining a healthy weight, sleeping on one side and avoiding alcohol before bedtime.
Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea
There are several treatment options and stop snoring aids to consider for alleviating symptoms of sleep apnea. Always seek professional medical advice for proper diagnosis and personalised sleep apnea treatment, which may involve:
- CPAP therapy: Wearing a mask over the nose/mouth while you sleep to pump pressurised air into the air passages and keep them open at night.
- Oral appliances: Mandibular Advancement Splint (MAD) fits into the mouth and teeth to support the upper airway and help reduce throat restriction that causes snoring.
- Surgical interventions: in severe cases, surgery may be required to adjust the jaws, throat tissue and/or nerve function.
The Importance of Quality Sleep Apnea Treatment
If you struggle with snoring and sleep apnea or you have a loved one suffering from disrupted sleep, it’s a good idea to be proactive about managing sleep issues. You can always seek professional help if needed to address snoring and sleep apnea for better sleep quality and overall health. After all, achieving restful sleep improves energy levels, mood and cognitive function. Stop snoring aids are crucial to making notable improvements for comfortable, quality sleep.
Contact Northern Beaches Dental Practice for Snore Stop Solutions
Scheduling a consultation with a sleep specialist or dentist is the first step to exploring personalised solutions for snoring or sleep apnea. The expert team at Northern Beaches Dental Practice is here to help. Contact us online to get started with treatment to minimise snoring and fix sleep apnea.