Feeling fatigued? You may have obstructive sleep apnoea
Obstructive sleep apnoea is a common, yet very under diagnosed condition.
When the sufferer falls asleep, the muscles around the airway relax, stopping air from reaching the lungs. This causes them to wake up – often without realising it – to restore their breathing and get their oxygen levels back up.
Symptoms include snoring, feeling groggy upon waking and feeling fatigued or falling asleep during the day. Sometimes a partner might report that they have noticed their loved one’s breathing stops momentarily, or see them gasping for air during the night.
Obstructive sleep apnoea has been linked to medical diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. Excessive fatigue is also the root cause of many workplace and road accidents, so it is a very important condition to diagnose and manage.
Depending on condition severity, treatment recommendations may include:
- Lifestyle changes, such as weight loss
- Using a continuous positive airway pressure machine
- Using a mandibular advancement splint. This brings the lower jaw gently forward to help open up the airway.
If you Believe you may be suffering from obstructive sleep apnoea? Dr Tonya Kirk at Inverloch Family Dental is trained in dental management of obstructive sleep apnoea. She can discuss any symptoms with you and facilitate a referral for a sleep study.
To make an appointment with Dr Kirk, call the practice on (03) 5674 2691 or email inverlochfamilydental@gmail.com