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Archive for the ‘Sleep Apnea’ Category

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Have a Silent Night This Christmas Thanks to Snoring and Sleep Apnoea Treatment

Thursday, December 10th, 2015

If silent nights are something of a rarity in your household due to snoring or sleep apnoea, we may be able to help restore peace this Christmas.

About snoring and sleep apnoea

Snoring is a very common problem. In most cases, it is a temporary issue that often coincides with colds and coughs, drinking alcohol or sleeping on your back. In some cases, snoring is a much more frequent or long-term issue and if snoring is starting to get you down or cause problems in your relationship, it’s time to do something about it. Persistent snoring may be a sign that your body is struggling to get enough oxygen while you sleep and there may be simple steps you can take to reduce snoring and improve your quality of sleep, as well as making things more harmonious with other members of the household. The main risks factors for snoring include smoking, being overweight, drinking alcohol and sleeping in a position that makes breathing more difficult.

Sleep apnoea is not the same as snoring, but snoring is often a symptom of sleep apnoea. Sleep apnoea is a disorder that occurs when your breathing is interrupted as a result of the airway becoming obstructed when you sleep. Apnoea refers to disturbances that last at least 10 seconds. Mild sleep apnoea can often be improved by adopting healthy lifestyle choices, but in more severe cases, more intensive action should be taken.

Treating snoring and sleep apnoea

If snoring is a persistent problem or you have mild sleep apnoea, using a mandibular advancement device may be helpful. This custom-designed appliance helps to move the jaw forward, opening up the airway. Making positive changes to your lifestyle, such as giving up smoking, doing regular exercise, cutting down your alcohol intake and losing weight can also help.

If you would like to find out more about how we could help you, simply give us a call.

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Diagnosis and Treatment for Sleep Apnoea

Thursday, November 26th, 2015

Get advice about sleep apnoea from Liverpool dentists

Sleep apnoea causes the muscles in your throat to relax during sleep, thus blocking the airways. It is most common in those who are over forty years of age.

When the airways are blocked, oxygen cannot reach the brain and a signal is sent to your body to wake up.  As a result, those with sleep apnoea have frequently disrupted sleep.  As anyone who has had problems sleeping will know, this can make life difficult in several ways.  Those with sleep apnoea find that they are more likely to be involved in traffic accidents as they will frequently be tired in the day and have compromised reaction times.  Even worse than this, studies have linked the hypertension that can be brought on by sleep apnoea is linked with an increased tendency towards strokes and heart attacks.

If you are overweight or smoke your risk of developing sleep apnoea increases and a tendency to drink alcohol before sleep can also bring about the condition.  The use of sleeping pills and sedatives has also been linked with sleep apnoea and some studies demonstrate that the disorder has a tendency to run in families, meaning you are more likely to suffer from sleep apnoea if a relative has it.

Your Liverpool dentist has access to the parts of your mouth involved with sleep apnoea and so they are in an excellent position to diagnose the condition during one of your six month check ups.  If it is found that you have sleep apnoea you might be given one of two types of device to alleviate the condition.

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How is Sleep Apnoea Diagnosed and Treated?

Monday, November 2nd, 2015

Get advice on sleep apnea from Liverpool dentists

Sleep apnea is a condition that affects about one and half percent of British women and three and a half percent of British men.  It is most prevalent in those over forty years old.  It involves the relaxation of your throat muscles during sleep, which blocks the airways briefly.

If oxygen suddenly cannot reach the brain, the brain sends a signal to your body to wake up so sleep apnea sufferers have very disrupted sleeping patterns.  Experiencing sleep apnea and the resulting disruptions to sleep can make life rather difficult for sufferers.  Drowsiness during the day because of insufficient sleep can slow down reaction times and sleep apnea patients are actually more likely to be involved in car accidents.  The hypertension that can be brought on by sleep apnea increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

High risk categories include people who are overweight and smokers.  Drinking alcohol before sleep can increase the chance of sleep apnea, as can the use of sleeping pills and other sedatives.  Hormonal changes can lead to sleep apnea too.  Some studies have shown that the condition runs in families.

Because your Liverpool dentist has access to your tongue and soft palate, both of which are involved in sleep apnea, he or she can help to diagnose the condition.  You might be prescribed a mask to initiate continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to make sure than oxygen steadily flows to your lungs during the night.

Looking for a cosmetic dentist? City of Liverpool dentists are here to help

Your Liverpool dentist can give you more information about sleep apnea should you require it.

 

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Mental Health Problems Associated with Sleep Apnoea

Friday, September 18th, 2015

Sleep apnoea is a serious sleep disorder that requires careful management. In the most severe cases, sleep apnoea can be fatal and it is essential that patients who display symptoms of this disorder receive the appropriate support and treatment. Sleep apnoea is characterised by periods of interrupted breathing that occurs as a result of the airway becoming blocked.

If you suffer from sleep apnoea, this can have a major bearing on the quality of your sleep, and frequent disturbed nights can soon take their toll on your physical and mental health.

Sleep apnoea and mental health

Anyone who experiences disturbed sleep patterns, insomnia or a lack of sleep on a frequent basis are at risk of experiencing problems related to both their physical and mental health. We need sleep to recover, rest and regenerate and without it, we start to suffer. In the short-term, a lack of sleep may contribute to daytime tiredness and lack of motivation, energy and concentration. In the long-term, disrupted sleep may increase the risk of stress, anxiety and depression. Sleep problems can also cause issues in relationships.

The chances of depression may also be elevated by a lack of oxygen reaching the brain as a result of sleep apnoea, which causes reduced air flow while you sleep.

What can be done for sleep apnoea?

There are various treatment options for sleep apnoea and the type of treatment usually depends on the cause and severity of the individual case. In minor cases, lifestyle changes such as increasing exercise, losing weight and giving up smoking may be sufficient to ease symptoms. In moderate cases, using a mandibular advancement device may help. This device moves the lower jaw forward slightly, increasing air flow while you sleep. In the most severe cases, CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) may be recommended. This involves wearing a breathing mask while you sleep.

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Solutions for Sleep Apnoea

Friday, August 14th, 2015

At Liverpool Dental Spa, we offer a comprehensive range of services including treatment for snoring and sleep apnoea. If you regularly experience disturbed nights or struggle to breathe during sleep, we can help.

What is sleep apnoea and what are the signs?

Sleep apnoea is a sleeping disorder that makes it difficult to breathe while you sleep. Sleep apnoea is defined by periods of interrupted breathing that last for 10 seconds or longer. It can range in severity and in serious cases it can be fatal. Common signs of sleep apnoea include very loud snoring, laboured breathing, gasping for breath when you sleep, disturbed sleep patterns contributing to daytime tiredness, irritability, lack of motivation or concentration and mood swings.

Who is at risk for sleep apnoea?

Here are some of the main risk factors for sleep apnoea:

  • Obesity
  • Family history of the disorder
  • smoking
  • Heavy drinking and drinking in the evening

How we can help

We work with other health professionals to provide care for patients who suffer with snoring and sleep apnoea. We are able to provide information and advice related to making positive lifestyle choices such as losing weight and giving up smoking and we also offer custom-made bite guards to help  increase airflow while you sleep. These bite guards are specially made to fit your mouth, so you will able to sleep in comfort and they keep the airway open, making it easier to breathe.

If you would like more information about our services or would like to book a consultation, call us today or pop in if you are in Liverpool city centre.

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Why Must Sleep Apnoea Be Seen To?

Wednesday, June 10th, 2015

If a sleep disorder is keeping you or your partner awake at night, it’s time to do something about it. Sleep deprivation increases the risk of physical and mental health problems as well as affecting your ability to concentrate and focus and addressing sleep issues can really help to boost your overall health and wellbeing. At Liverpool Dental Spa, we work with other health professionals to provide expert care for those who suffer with issues such as snoring and sleep apnoea.

What is sleep apnoea?

Sleep apnoea is a potentially serious, even life-threatening condition that occurs when the airway becomes obstructed for 10 seconds or longer when you sleep. Sleep apnoea affects your ability to breathe properly and it can be very severe. Sleep apnoea is not the same as snoring, but loud and persistent snoring is often a symptom of sleep apnoea.

Sleep apnoea is most commonly found in people who are overweight. It is more common in men than women and tends to occur in those aged over 35 years old. Other risk factors for sleep apnoea include smoking, family history and drinking alcohol on a regular basis. Signs of sleep apnoea include disrupted breathing and gasping for breath when you sleep, night sweats, loud snoring and waking up feeling like you’ve not slept very well.

Why is it important to treat sleep apnoea?

It’s important to diagnose and manage sleep apnoea because it can be very serious. This condition affects breathing and in the most severe cases, it can be fatal. If you have mild sleep apnoea there are various therapies that can help, including making positive lifestyle changes such as giving up smoking, doing more exercise, losing weight and cutting down on drinking. In moderate cases, we can provide a custom-made device known as a mandibular advancement device, which moves the lower jaw forward while you sleep. This helps to increase oxygen flow by keeping the airway open, making it easier for you to breathe.

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How is Sleep Apnoea Treated?

Monday, May 4th, 2015

At Liverpool Dental Spa, we offer a range of treatments and services designed to promote good general health and wellbeing as well as high standards of oral health. We offer treatment for TMJ disorder, headaches, snoring and sleep apnoea in addition to an array of dental services, and we aim to ensure all our patients are as healthy and happy as possible.

Sleep apnoea is a sleep disorder that can prevent you from getting a good night’s sleep on a regular basis. It occurs when the muscles in the throat relax, causing the airway to become obstructed and breathing to be interrupted. Apnoea is defined as a blockage of 10 seconds or longer. The most common risk factors for sleep apnoea include being overweight, having a large neck circumference, smoking, drinking alcohol and family history. This disorder is most commonly found in men aged over 40 years old.

How serious is sleep apnoea?

Sleep apnoea affects people in different ways and there are varying degrees of severity. In mild cases, symptoms may be barely noticeable and there isn’t always need for formal treatment, while in serious cases sleep apnoea can be life-threatening.

Treating sleep apnoea

In mild cases, there may be no need for medical treatment and dealing with risk factors can really help. This often involves making small-scale changes to your lifestyle and sleeping habits, such as avoiding alcohol in the evenings and sleeping on your side, rather than your back. If you are overweight, smoke or have a sedentary lifestyle, making positive lifestyle choices can also make a massive difference to your general health as well as your sleep apnoea. This may involve losing weight, doing more exercise and giving up smoking. We can assist with these goals and are here to provide information and advice.

In minor and moderate cases, we can also provide a custom-made device known as a mandibular advancement appliance, which helps to increase air flow while you sleep by holding the lower jaw in a forward position. The appliance is shaped to fit you and it can really help to improve your quality of sleep, as well as that of others around you.

In severe cases, CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure), may be recommended. This involves wearing a mask to help you breathe during the night.

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What Causes Snoring, and How Can It Be Stopped?

Wednesday, April 22nd, 2015

If you regularly wake during the night due to snoring or are living with a snorer and it’s making life difficult, we can help.

What causes snoring?

Snoring occurs when the soft tissue at the back of the mouth vibrates. It causes grunting, snorting and heavy breathing noises. Often, snoring is nothing to worry about, but if it keeps you or other people from enjoying a good night’s sleep on a regular basis, it may be worth thinking about seeking help. Sleep is so important because it enables us to rest and recharge our batteries ready for the next day. If you miss out on sleep on a frequent basis, it can lead to daytime tiredness, irritability, low energy levels and loss of focus and concentration.

There are various risk factors for snoring, which include:

  • being overweight
  • living a sedentary lifestyle
  • smoking
  • allergies
  • respiratory illnesses, such as asthma
  • drinking alcohol
  • sleeping on your back

What can be done to stop snoring?

Often, snoring can be helped by addressing some of the risk factors listed above and this may involve making very minor changes to your sleeping routine and your lifestyle choices. Losing weight, cutting down on alcohol (especially during the evenings) and taking up regular exercise can all make a huge difference. Giving up smoking is also really beneficial for sleep, as well as your general health and wellbeing.

In cases where snoring is linked to allergies, taking medication can help to ease symptoms. It may also be beneficial to invest in hypoallergenic bedding.

If snoring is linked to a lack of air flow while you sleep, we can provide a specialist custom-made bite guard that helps to keep the airway open while you sleep, increasing the amount of oxygen flowing into the body.

If you’re struggling with snoring, call us today. We could help to banish noisy nights and restore peace for good.

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The Facts About Sleep Apnoea and How we Can Help

Wednesday, March 18th, 2015

Even the hardiest night owl can start to struggle after a stream of sleepless nights. If you’re struggling with sleep apnoea and its taking its toll on your health and happiness, we are able to help.

What is sleep apnoea?

Sleep apnoea is a condition that affects your ability to breathe while you sleep. Apnoea is a term that describes disrupted breathing caused by a blocked airway for periods of 10 seconds or longer. In severe cases, sleep apnoea can be life-threatening and it requires long-term treatment. However, in minor cases it may be possible to reduce symptoms by making lifestyle changes or using a device that improves airflow during sleep.

Lifestyle changes

In most cases, sleep apnoea is linked to being overweight and making changes in order to lose weight can be highly beneficial. These changes may include doing regular exercise and eating a healthy, balanced and calorie-controlled diet. Giving up smoking and cutting down on drinking can also have a very positive impact on sleep apnoea and snoring.

Bite guards

We provide specialist bite guards, which are worn during the night to open up the airway and increase airflow while you sleep. These bite guards are custom-made to ensure that they are a comfortable fit.

At Liverpool Dental Spa we work with local health professionals to provide effective treatments for patients who suffer from sleep disorders and facilitate healthy sleep patterns.

If you’re struggling with a lack of sleep due to sleep apnoea, don’t suffer in silence. Call us today and book a consultation.

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Six Facts About Sleep Apnoea

Wednesday, February 4th, 2015

Sleep apnoea is a sleep disorder that can affect your quality of sleep and disrupt your sleeping pattern. At Liverpool Dental Spa, we understand the importance of a good night’s sleep and we can provide assistance for patients who snore or suffer from sleep apnoea or bruxism. If you’re suffering, we are here to help.

If you’re not familiar with sleep apnoea, here are six facts to fill you in:

  1. Sleep apnoea is a sleep disorder that affects breathing: sleep apnoea causes interrupted breathing while you sleep. This occurs when the airway becomes blocked and air flow is reduced and then stopped completely.
  2. Sleep apnoea is diagnosed with the airway is blocked for 10 seconds or more: apnoea is a term given when the airway is completely blocked for more than 10 seconds. If the airway is partially blocked, this is known as hypopnoea.
  3. Sleep apnoea is more common in men: sleep apnoea is more common in men than women. In the UK, around 2 percent of middle-aged women suffer from obstructive sleep apnoea, compared to 4 percent of middle-aged men.
  4. Having a thick neck increases the risk of sleep apnoea: having a large or thick neck increases the risk of sleep apnoea. Men with a neck circumference of 17 inches (43 cm) have a greater risk of developing sleep apnoea than those with a smaller neck circumference.
  5. Drinking alcohol makes symptoms of sleep apnoea worse: drinking alcohol makes symptoms of sleep apnoea and snoring worse because alcohol relaxes the muscles in the throat. If you suffer from sleep apnoea or you snore, you should avid drinking alcohol in the evenings.
  6. Sleep apnoea can be life-threatening: in severe cases, sleep apnoea can be life-threatening, as airflow is blocked while you sleep. If you have severe sleep apnoea, you may be advised to wear breathing apparatus while you sleep. This involves wearing an oxygen mask to help you breathe.

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