In addition to disrupting sleeping patterns and causing frustration for a partner trying to sleep, snoring may also indicate the more concerning condition of obstructive sleep apnoea.

Where the sound of snoring is caused by the soft tissue and palate at the back of the throat vibrating as air passes when you breathe, obstructive sleep apnoea is pauses in breathing due to the air passage being completely blocked, or obstructed. This results in a lack of oxygen and an increase in carbon dioxide in your blood. Your brain registers that you are not breathing and responds with a muscle spasm causing you to jolt, gasp, resume breathing and go back to sleep almost immediately and often with no recollection of ever waking. In severe cases this disruption can occur more than 100 times per night with non-breathing lasting from 10 seconds up to 1 minute.

Several concerning health conditions have been associated with obstructive sleep apnoea including and increased risk of stroke, high blood pressure, heart attack, hardening of the arteries and type ll diabetes.

Being overweight can also contribute to the occurrence of sleep apnoea. Often losing 5 – 10 kilos can have a positive effect on reducing the occurrence of obstructive sleep apnoea.

Many people have benefitted from a custom-made splint which looks similar to a sport mouthguard and repositions the lower jaw, helping to keep your airway open. Following a thorough assessment, you Bright Star dentist will discuss if this is a suitable solution for your personal needs. You may also be referred to a sleep clinic for a sleep assessment.