Snoring and Sleep Apnoea
Do you or your partner struggle with persistent, loud snoring? Does waking up feel like a chore, leaving you exhausted before your day even begins?
While almost everyone snores occasionally, chronic snoring can sometimes be a sign of a medical condition called obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), in which the airway repeatedly narrows or closes during sleep.
At Campsie Laser Dental, we help you uncover the root cause of your sleep disruptions so you can reclaim your energy, protect your health and finally enjoy a peaceful night’s rest.
When is Snoring a Sign of Something More Serious?
Snoring happens when airflow passes through relaxed tissues in the upper airway, causing them to vibrate. In obstructive sleep apnoea, the airway repeatedly narrows or closes during sleep, which can reduce or briefly stop breathing until the body partially wakes to reopen the airway.
If you or your child have any of the following symptoms, it is sensible to seek a professional medical evaluation:
Symptoms in Adults:
- Partners notice: Witnessed pauses in breathing, gasping or choking during sleep.
- Morning fatigue: Waking up with a sore throat, dry mouth or a dull headache.
- Daytime exhaustion: Chronic sleepiness, difficulty focusing or mood changes.
- Physical strain: High blood pressure or episodes of chest discomfort at night, which should be medically assessed.
- Disrupted harmony: Your snoring is loud enough to disrupt your partner’s sleep.
Symptoms in Children:
Sleep-related breathing problems can look different in children. Signs may include frequent snoring, poor attention, behavioural challenges, mouth breathing, restless sleep or a decline in school performance.
Getting a Clear Answer: Your Diagnosis
Pathways to better sleep start with understanding exactly what is happening while you rest. When you visit us for a consultation, we take a comprehensive approach:
- Detailed assessment: We review your symptoms, sleep history, medical background and airway anatomy and we may also consider observations from a partner or parent.
- Additional examination when appropriate: In selected cases, imaging or further assessment may be used to look at structural factors that could contribute to airway narrowing.
- Sleep studies: If sleep apnoea is suspected, an overnight sleep study may be recommended to assess breathing patterns and help confirm the diagnosis.
Personalised Treatments for Better Sleep
There is no one-size-fits-all solution for sleep-related breathing disorders. Based on your assessment, our team can discuss suitable options and, where appropriate, work alongside your medical practitioner or sleep specialist.
- Custom oral appliances: These custom-fitted devices are worn during sleep and are designed to gently reposition the lower jaw forward to help keep the airway more open. They may help reduce snoring and can be suitable for some people with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea or for those who cannot tolerate CPAP.
- CPAP therapy support: Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) uses gentle air pressure delivered through a mask to help keep the airway open during sleep. It is commonly recommended as first-line treatment for moderate to severe OSA.
- Lifestyle guidance: Practical strategies such as weight management, changing sleep position and limiting alcohol before bed may help reduce snoring and improve symptoms in some people.
- Specialist referral when needed: In selected cases, referral to a medical or surgical specialist may be appropriate to discuss other treatment options for significant structural airway obstruction.
This information is general in nature and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Ready to Sleep Soundly Again?
You don’t have to live with chronic fatigue or disruptive snoring. Let the team at Campsie Laser Dental help you and your loved ones breathe easier and live healthier.
Contact Us Today to Book Your Consultation
- Phone: (02) 9789 6219
- Address: Shop 21, 94 Beamish Street, Campsie NSW 2194
Our Clinic Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9:00am – 6:00pm
- Saturday: 9:00am – 4:00pm
- Sunday: Closed