Sleep Apnoea
If you often wake up feeling unrefreshed despite a full night’s sleep, struggle to stay alert during the day, or find it hard to concentrate, you might be among the many Australians affected by sleep apnoea. Over time, chronic sleep deprivation can take a serious toll, affecting your energy, mood, concentration, and even your long-term health. It can also impact your partner’s rest and well-being. Our Sydney dentists offer several treatments to address snoring, sleep apnoea, and related sleep disturbances. With these options, we aim to help you breathe easier and enjoy deeper, healthier sleep.
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What Is Sleep Apnoea?
Sleep apnoea is a condition in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep due to a temporary blockage of the airway. This occurs when the soft tissues of the throat, tongue, or nasal passages relax too much, narrowing the airway and disrupting normal airflow.
In cases of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), the most common type, the throat may partially or fully collapse, preventing adequate oxygen from reaching the lungs. The body responds by momentarily waking to restore breathing, often with a loud gasp, snort, or sudden movement.
These interruptions can occur dozens or even hundreds of times per night, leading to snoring, restlessness, and poor-quality sleep. Because each episode is brief, many people don’t realise it’s happening; however, untreated OSA can significantly impact daily energy, focus, and wellness.
Do I Have Sleep Apnoea?
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How Is Sleep Apnoea Diagnosed?
A formal diagnosis of sleep apnoea requires a sleep study (also known as a sleep apnoea test). This assessment measures how your body functions while you sleep to identify any interruptions in breathing.
Most commonly, the test is conducted at a professional sleep centre, where you’ll rest comfortably while connected to specialised monitoring equipment. Throughout the night, the technology records data such as oxygen levels, brain activity, heart rate, and breathing patterns.
In some cases, you may be given a portable at-home sleep study, which allows you to complete the test in your own bed using a small device. Once the results are analysed, your sleep specialist can determine whether you have sleep apnoea, how severe it is, and which type of treatment may be most effective for your needs.
What Are Common Symptoms of Sleep Apnoea?
Sleep apnoea can present itself in several ways, and its symptoms are often mistaken for general tiredness or poor sleep. The most common signs include loud snoring, restless sleep, frequent waking, and excessive daytime fatigue. Many people also experience difficulty concentrating, irritability, or mood changes as a result of poor-quality rest.
Other symptoms may include dry mouth upon waking, morning headaches, or insomnia due to repeated breathing interruptions during the night. These patterns are often associated with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), the most prevalent form of the condition.
If left untreated, sleep apnoea can have a lasting impact on your health and well-being. Recognising the warning signs early and seeking evaluation is the best way to begin improving your sleep and daily energy levels.
What Are the Side Effects and Risks of Sleep Apnoea?
In some cases, sleep apnoea can contribute to a range of long-term health concerns, such as:
- Impaired concentration and memory loss
- Decreased sex drive
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- Depression
- Impaired eyesight
- Stroke
- Sudden cardiac death
At The Paddington Dental Surgery, our dentists look beyond the symptoms to consider how sleep apnoea may be impacting your overall wellness. We can discuss your experiences, review diagnostic findings, and create a comprehensive treatment plan designed to help you breathe easier, sleep more soundly, and lower your long-term health risks.
Who Is At Risk of Sleep Apnoea?
OSA can affect virtually anyone – regardless of age, weight, height, or ethnicity. That said, certain factors can increase an individual’s potential for having OSA, such as:
- Nasal obstruction (due to allergies, a deviated septum, or other sinus issues)
- A large tongue and/or tonsils
- A family history of snoring or sleep apnoea
- A broad neck circumference
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Smoking
- Regular alcohol consumption
Excess weight is also a significant contributor, as fatty tissue around the airway can restrict airflow during sleep. Men are generally more likely to experience OSA than women, though the risk increases for everyone after the age of 40.
Recognising these risk factors can be the first step in protecting your sleep and long-term health. If you suspect you may be at risk, our team can guide you through testing and discuss simple, effective ways to manage or prevent sleep apnoea.
What Are the Types of Sleep Apnoea?
Sleep apnoea isn’t a one-size-fits-all condition; in fact, it exists in several distinct forms. Understanding which type you have is key to finding the most effective treatment.
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)
The most common type of sleep apnoea is OSA, or “obstructive sleep apnoea.” OSA is caused by a blockage (or obstruction) of the airway by oral and bodily tissues that can make breathing much more difficult. Treatment for OSA typically aims to clear the blockage and/or keep the airway open.1
Central Sleep Apnoea (CSA)
CSA, short for “central sleep apnoea,” is less common than OSA – but often more dangerous. It is caused by a failure of the brain to send proper signals to the muscles that control the breathing systems, telling them to function correctly. A CPAP or adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV) machine may be needed to regulate the patient’s breathing.2
Complex Sleep Apnoea Syndrome
Essentially a combination of OSA and CSA, complex sleep apnoea syndrome often develops when a patient is already undergoing treatment for OSA (in fact, the subtype is frequently referred to as “treatment-emergent central sleep apnoea”). In these cases, the use of a CPAP machine may ease symptoms of OSA but prompt the development of CSA.3 Treatment for complex sleep apnoea syndrome can be challenging and may involve adjustments to CPAP settings, trying different types of positive airway pressure therapy, or using devices that provide adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV) to address both obstructive and central events.
What Are the Treatment Options for Sleep Apnoea and Snoring?
Oral Appliances
One of the most convenient and well-tolerated treatments for snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea is a custom-made oral appliance. These small, comfortable devices are designed to be worn during sleep, gently repositioning the lower jaw forward to keep the airway open and reduce obstruction.
Our team can create a fully personalised appliance to suit your exact anatomy and level of concern, whether you’re experiencing mild, moderate, or even severe snoring or sleep apnoea. Because the appliance is compact and discreet, it’s generally very easy to wear and travel with.
Unlike a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, an oral appliance doesn’t involve bulky equipment, tubing, or air pressure. Many patients find it a more natural, quiet, and comfortable solution that still delivers excellent results. To determine if you’re a candidate for this treatment, you’ll first need to complete a professional sleep study and receive a confirmed diagnosis.
Surgical Options
While conservative treatments are preferred whenever possible, some patients may benefit from nose or throat surgery to correct anatomical blockages contributing to their sleep apnoea. Our team collaborates closely with some of Sydney’s leading ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialists and respiratory surgeons to ensure you receive comprehensive, multidisciplinary care tailored to your needs.
If you’re struggling with poor sleep, loud snoring, or persistent fatigue, we’re here to help. Talk to one of our experienced team members about your sleep apnoea treatment options and take the first step toward more restful, restorative nights.
Can Sleep Apnoea Be Cured?
There is unfortunately no official cure for sleep apnoea as of yet; however, top-quality, custom-crafted oral appliances can dramatically reduce the symptoms of this disorder. In addition, the use of a CPAP machine can facilitate normal breathing in patients with more severe sleep apnoea, and nose and throat surgery can be effective in the most serious cases.
Ultimately, the most important factor in managing sleep apnoea successfully is ongoing care from a team of experienced medical and dental professionals. With regular monitoring and personalised adjustments, many patients find they can sleep soundly, breathe freely, and regain the energy that comes from truly restorative rest.
Sleep Apnoea in Children
Paediatric sleep apnoea shares many similarities with the adult form of the condition, but there are a few key differences to be aware of. Rather than showing signs of daytime sleepiness, children are more likely to experience behavioural or concentration problems during the day. In young patients, sleep apnoea is also more commonly caused by enlarged adenoids or tonsils rather than excess weight.
If you notice your child exhibiting any of the following signs while sleeping, it’s important to speak with your paediatrician to determine whether sleep apnoea may be a concern:
- Snoring
- Pauses in breathing
- Restless sleep
- Snorting, coughing, or choking
- Mouth breathing
- Bedwetting
- Sleep terrors
Additional Frequently Asked Questions
Is sleep apnoea treatment covered by insurance?
Sleep apnoea treatment may be covered by insurance, depending on the severity of your condition and the type of treatment required. In most cases, patients need to complete a sleep study and receive an official diagnosis before qualifying for coverage.
In Australia, individuals with sleep apnoea may also be eligible for a Medicare rebate, which can help offset some of the costs associated with diagnosis and treatment. Coverage varies, so it’s always best to confirm the specifics with your provider.
Our team is happy to assist by liaising with your insurer and helping you understand your options.
How long does sleep apnoea last?
An individual episode of sleep apnoea (meaning the period during which breathing temporarily stops) typically lasts between 10 and 20 seconds. These pauses can occur repeatedly throughout the night, often without the person realising it.
To determine the severity of the condition, doctors monitor how many of these episodes occur per hour during a sleep study. Experiencing 30 or more episodes per hour generally indicates a more severe form of sleep apnoea that requires medical attention and consistent treatment.
Does sleep apnoea happen every night?
Patients with sleep apnoea often experience episodes multiple times per night, but this may vary between patients. The condition can significantly worsen when left untreated, causing episodes to happen more frequently.
How can I prevent sleep apnoea?
While certain risk factors for sleep apnoea (such as genetics, a deviated septum, or the natural size of the tongue or tonsils) are beyond your control, there are several lifestyle changes that can help reduce your likelihood of developing the condition.
Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can make a significant difference, as both can relax the airway muscles and contribute to obstruction during sleep. Maintaining a healthy weight is also important, since excess tissue around the neck and throat can narrow the airway and restrict airflow. In addition, developing good sleep habits, such as sleeping on your side rather than your back, keeping a consistent bedtime routine, and managing nasal congestion, can further support healthy breathing and more restful sleep.
What is the best sleep position for sleep apnoea?
Doctors generally recommend that patients with sleep apnoea sleep on their side, as this position can keep the airway open. When you sleep on your back or stomach, the soft tissues in the back of the throat can relax and collapse more easily, restricting airflow and worsening symptoms.
If side-sleeping doesn’t come naturally, try using a body pillow or placing a firm cushion behind your back to help you stay comfortably in position throughout the night. These small adjustments can make a noticeable difference in breathing quality and overall restfulness.
How long do I need to use my sleep apnoea oral appliance?
The length of time you’ll need to use your oral appliance can vary from person to person, but most patients should plan to wear it indefinitely. Consistent nightly use helps keep symptoms under control and supports long-term improvement in sleep quality and overall well-being.
Over time, your appliance may experience normal wear and tear and will likely need to be replaced after a few years to ensure continued comfort and effectiveness. At regular dental check-ups, we can monitor your device’s condition and confirm that it’s still fitting and functioning properly.
How do I take care of my sleep apnoea oral appliance?
Caring for your oral appliance properly is key to maintaining its longevity and effectiveness. Fortunately, it’s simple to do with just a few daily habits. Clean your appliance at least once a day using cold water, a soft-bristled toothbrush, and a mild cleanser such as dish soap or an over-the-counter denture cleaner.
Avoid using hot water, as heat can warp the material and alter the fit. Likewise, steer clear of harsh or abrasive cleaning products that may damage the surface. With consistent care and regular check-ins during your dental visits, your appliance can continue to perform comfortably and effectively for years.
This Could Be Your Wake-Up Call
Because there are so many serious risks related to OSA, getting treatment is extremely important. If you or someone you love is showing signs of interrupted sleep, loud snoring, or persistent fatigue, don’t wait to seek help.
Our caring team at The Paddington Dental Surgery is proud to offer a full range of pain-free dentistry options designed to make every experience as relaxing and stress-free as possible.
We can answer your questions, guide you through diagnosis and treatment options, and help you reclaim the deep, restorative sleep you deserve.
Contact us today to book a consultation and begin your journey toward better rest and better health!
