Anti-Snoring
Q. What is snoring?
A. The noise of snoring is caused by the vibration of the soft tissues in the upper airway. During sleep the muscles of the upper airway relax resulting in the formation of bottlenecks or even complete obstruction of the airways. The body reacts by increasing the velocity of the air which in turn causes vibration of the soft tissues which generates the noise of snoring.
Q. Who is likely to snore?
A. Research has shown that approximately 40% of the adult population snore. As a person gets older the chances of snoring increases. (i.e. in men aged 60 this increases to 60%.) The chances of snoring are also increased if a person is overweight or drinks alcohol.
Q. What is Obstructive Sleep Apnoea?
A. This is a medical condition. People suffering from it are heard to gasp for breath while they are asleep. Additional symptoms are daytime drowsiness or the feeling of not having a full nights sleep. Where Sleep Apnoea is suspected an anti-snoring device may still be prescribed but it is essential that you consult your medical practitioner and if he confirms that Sleep Apnoea is suspected, that you are referred to the sleep clinic of a hospital for further investigation.
Not everyone that snores suffers from Sleep Apnoea – but nearly everyone who suffers from Sleep Apnoea will snore.
How can this affect my Health and Lifestyle?
Snoring has an enormous affect on the quality of life of a snorer, their partner and family. The lack of sleep caused by snoring can cause;
- Daytime sleepiness
- Lack of energy
- Poor motivation
- High stress levels
- Relationship issues - the third most common cause for couples separating
- Driving whilst tired
- Less effectiveness at work
Health issues include
- Increased blood pressure
- Increased risk of diabetes
- Cardiovascular disease
- Headaches
- Reduced sex drive
What are the choices
- Invasive surgical procedures, very painful and not treatment of choice for most patients
- low cost uncomfortable "boil and bite" mouthguards, sprays and other gadgets often do not work, particularly in the long term.
- Facial masks are effective in maintaining the airway by using positive air pressure, however the treatment tends to be accepted only by sever OSA sufferers.
- Mandibular Advancement Splints
There are a number of different devices, one of the most clinically effective is the "Sleepwell"
Laburnum Dental Practice recommends the highly successful "Sleepwell" it is clinically proven but does not require invasive surgery or intrusive face masks.
What is a Sleepwell
This is a custom made appliance worn at night, it works by holding the lower jaw forward thereby opening up the airway and reducing the risk of snoring and sleep apnoea. The Sleepwell is fully adjustable to allow the wearer to find the optimal level of jaw advancement for themselves. In scientific trials the appliance was successful in the vast majority of simple snoring cases and can be used to help sufferers of OSA in conjunction with a sleep physician. This treatment is available at Laburnum Dental Practice where we provide a comprehensive diagnosis, treatment and follow up service. For further information visit www.solutions4snoring.com
Cost: free assessment to asses suitability, sleepwell appliance £330