During sleep the muscles of the upper airway relax, having the effect of reducing or even completely obstructing the airways. The body reacts by increasing the force with which air is breathed in and expelled. This causes vibration of the relaxed soft tissues and generates the snoring noise. Extreme narrowing can cause complete airflow obstruction otherwise known as obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). The blood oxygen levels reduce and the brain sends out an emergency signal causing a deep gasping breath. This can happen many times each hour and can affect your long term health and reduce your quality of life. The sleep apnoea sufferer normally is ignorant of the pauses in breathing.

Signs that you might suffer from OSA are:

  • Feeling tired when you wake
  • Headache in the morning
  • Fatigue
  • Poor memory
  • Mood swings or depression

If OSA is not treated it can lead to serious health risks such as cardiovascular disease, raised blood pressure and diabetes. OSA can produce greatly impaired performance at work, at home, and on the road. If Obstructive Sleep Apnoea is suspected it is advisable to see your doctor.

What risk factors are there for snoring and sleep apnoea?

There are several factors that can contribute to snoring and you may find that simple lifestyle changes may help to reduce your risk. These factors include:

  • Being overweight
  • Drinking alcohol (especially late at night)
  • Sleeping on your back
  • Smoking
  • Having a large neck
  • Oedema
  • Taking medication that has a sedative effect

Research has shown that approximately 40% of the adult population snore and as we get older the chances of snoring increase – 60% of men over 60 snore.

There is good evidence to show that custom made mandibular repositioning devices worn in the mouth at night can greatly help reduce snoring. The device is quite simple and works by positioning the jaw forward and moving the tongue along with it. In this new position the tongue does not have the tendency to fall back into the throat and so allows the air to move freely, thus reducing or eliminating the incidence of snoring. They aim to allow a peaceful night's sleep.

We can provide you with a Sleepwell snoring appliance via S4S dental laboratory are they are custom-made and adjustable to fit your teeth perfectly.

If you decide to go ahead with one, we will take impressions of your upper and lower jaws and send these to the dental laboratory to make your appliance. It usually takes about 2 weeks to be made. You will then come back for a fit appointment where you will be shown how to use and care for your new appliance.

To find out more about snoring solutions, or to book an appointment at Sharrow Vale Dental Care, call 0114 2686076, email enquiries@sharrowvaledentalcare.co.uk or send us a message using our online contact form.