Understanding Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea, a prevalent sleep disorder, remains undiagnosed in many individuals due to its subtlety, leading to potential health issues down the line. In this post, we will explore sleep apnea, its causes, symptoms, and diagnosis, with the goal of enhancing understanding and promoting proactive steps towards diagnosis and management.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder where an individual’s breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep¹. There are three main types of sleep apnea: obstructive, central, and complex sleep apnea syndrome². The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which occurs when throat muscles relax.

Causes of Sleep Apnea

Several factors can lead to the development of sleep apnea. These include obesity, narrowed airways, chronic nasal congestion, and certain medical conditions such as hypertension and diabetes³. Additionally, habits such as smoking and alcohol consumption can increase the risk of sleep apnea.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea symptoms often overlap with those of other conditions, making it challenging to diagnose. Some common symptoms include loud snoring, gasping for air during sleep, waking up with a dry mouth, insomnia, hypersomnia, and irritability⁴. Importantly, not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, and not everyone with sleep apnea snores, adding to the diagnostic challenge.

Diagnosis of Sleep Apnea

Diagnosing sleep apnea typically involves a physical examination, a discussion of symptoms and sleep history, and a sleep study. The sleep study, also known as a polysomnogram, may be performed in a sleep disorder centre or at home⁵. The polysomnogram records brain waves, blood oxygen levels, heart rate, breathing, as well as eye and leg movements during sleep, aiding the detection of sleep apnea⁵.

Treatment and SomnoMed’s Role

Once diagnosed, sleep apnea can be managed effectively, improving an individual’s quality of life and reducing associated health risks. Treatment options can range from lifestyle changes to the use of oral appliances or CPAP machines.

SomnoMed specialises in providing high-quality, custom-made oral appliances for the treatment of sleep apnea and snoring⁶. Oral appliances work by moving the lower jaw forward, helping to keep the airway open during sleep. This approach has been shown to be an effective treatment option for many patients with sleep apnea, particularly those who struggle with CPAP treatment.

Understanding sleep apnea is the first step in seeking treatment. If you suspect that you or a loved one may be suffering from sleep apnea, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional or a sleep specialist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Improve your sleep today

Understanding sleep apnea is the first step in seeking treatment. If you suspect that you or a loved one may be suffering from sleep apnea, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional or a sleep specialist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Treatment options for sleep apnea have advanced significantly in recent years. As a leader in oral appliance therapy, SomnoMed is at the forefront of providing innovative and effective solutions for individuals suffering from this sleep disorder. With a range of customised devices designed to increase comfort and maximise treatment effectiveness, SomnoMed’s contributions to the field have enabled countless individuals to rediscover the benefits of a good night’s sleep.

Understanding, diagnosing, and treating sleep apnea is critical to promoting overall health and wellness. Don’t ignore the signs—take action today, and awaken to the possibilities of a more restful tomorrow.

Sources:

1. American Sleep Apnea Association. (n.d.). What is Sleep Apnea? Retrieved from https://www.sleepapnea.org/understand-sleep-apnea/what-is-sleep-apnea/
2. Mayo Clinic. (2020). Sleep Apnea. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sleep-apnea/symptoms-causes/syc-20377631
3. Sleep Foundation. (2021). Sleep Apnea. Retrieved from https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-apnea
4. Harvard Health Publishing. (2019). Sleep Apnea. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/sleep-apnea-a-to-z
5. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2019). Sleep Apnea Information Page. Retrieved from https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Sleep-Apnea-Information-Page
6. SomnoMed. (2023). Oral Devices for Sleep Apnea. Retrieved from https://somnomed.com/au/