Snoring Appliances

Oral Sleep Appliance

Do you wake up tiered after a full night’s sleep do you Snore?? If so this could mean you suffer from Sleep Apnea.

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a serious and lifelong medical condition. OSA is a chronic, lifelong medical condition that can affect your sleep, health and quality of life.  It has been linked to hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, work and driving related accidents and stroke.

How can I find out if I have OSA?
First of all Dr. Kaur will need to thoroughly examine you. As there are a few anatomical factors that can be seen in your mouth to give her an indication on OSA.
If Dr. Kaur feels you may be at risk of OSA she will send you off to get a full sleep study carried out. This can be either done at home or in a local sleep clinic.

What Causes OSA?
During sleep, muscles relax, including those that control the tongue and throat.  Snoring is often a symptom of OSA caused by changes in your upper airway while you sleep. Your soft tissue may vibrate (commonly known as snoring) or it may completely collapse causing you to stop breathing. The soft tissue at the back of throat can sag, narrowing and constricting the airway. Collapsing of the soft tissue is called an Obstructive Apnea and may last for 10 seconds or more.

Major Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea:

• Waking up with a sore or dry throat
• Loud snoring
• Waking up with a choking or gasping sensation
• Sleepiness or lack of energy during the day
• Sleepiness while driving
• Morning headaches
• Restless sleep
• Forgetfulness, mood changes, and a decreased interest in sex
• Recurrent awakenings or insomnia
• Diabetes or other health problems

Others signs and symptoms of sleep apnea include:

Memory or learning problems and not being able to concentrate

Feeling irritable, depressed, or having mood swings or personality changes

Weight gain

Left untreated, sleep apnea can have serious and life-shortening consequences like high blood pressure & heart disease.