Snoring and Sleep Apnoea

Snoring is not cool!

It is not normal and it can be a very serious medical issue.

Snoring has been reported to affect some 40% of the adult population and it is a major red flag. In an alarming 40% of snorers, it could be an early sign of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA).

What causes snoring?

Snoring is the noise that occurs when there is partial obstruction and subsequent vibration of the soft tissues at the back of the throat. As snorers drift off to sleep, the tongue, soft palate, uvula and muscles of the throat drop to the back of the throat and obstruct the airway.

In many cases the obstruction is minor and the individual is able to overcome the obstruction. These individuals may have poor quality sleep which may result in excessive daytime sleepiness.

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea

Sometimes more severe obstructions occur, and this condition may be diagnosed as Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA).

Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnoea  actually stop breathing.  As a result, there is no airflow

Oxygen levels can become lowered to the point where your brain tells you to wake up and take a breath, (often with a long, loud gasp) before the cycle repeats again.  

Often, the snorer does not even know that they woke up! 

Since Geelong Smile Studio has commenced screening for OSA, we have found some people repeating this 'stop-wake up-breathe' cycle up to 100 times per hour!

One patient was referred to a medical sleep specialist and was confirmed whilst sleeping to be obstructed from breathing for up to 60 seconds at a time. 

Try doing that whilst awake!

If your body has been ‘fighting’ to get oxygen all night, do you think it has rested? 

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Learn More about Obstructive Sleep Apnoea

Systemic Complications and Statistics for Sleep Apneics

Screening and Diagnosis of Snoring and OSA

Treatment of Sleep Apnoea

What to do about Sleep Apnoea

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