Sleep with a Smile

Good dentistry isn’t just about good-looking teeth. It can also help you achieve a peaceful night’s sleep. And aside from social awkwardness, snoring can be a sign of something more serious. We spoke to the experts at Smile On Mona Vale to get all the facts on sleep apnoea, how to silence the snoring, and ultimately, stay married.

If you’ve ever slept next to a snorer, you know the drill. You’ve set up the perfect environment: dim lighting, comfy pillows, and herbal tea. You settle in for some quality shut-eye only to be rudely awoken by your partner’s snoring. It’s 1am—you are fuming, shooting death stares at the former love of your life as they sleep on, blissfully unaware that they’re ruining your tomorrow. Grrr.

Now, being the snorer in the situation is equally horrific. There’s nothing worse than waking up to the sound of your own snoring in a public place. Embarrassing. Snoring happens when airflow through your mouth or nose is blocked during sleep, causing the tissues in your throat to vibrate. This can be triggered by several factors, such as age (one of the many perks of getting older), gender (yep, men are more prone to snoring than women), excess weight (especially around the neck), and alcohol consumption. Based on the facts, if you’re a middle-aged man who enjoys a drink and is carrying a few extra kilos, chances are your partner has considered smothering you while you sleep.

However, surviving the peril of your partner isn’t the only danger you may be facing.

SNORING VS SLEEP APNOEA

Sleep apnoea is when your breathing stops and starts repeatedly during sleep. This occurs when the muscles in your throat relax too much and block your airway. The symptoms can be pretty serious. You might experience frequent breathing pauses that can last anywhere from 10 seconds to two minutes, and these could happen hundreds of times in a single night. You may also find yourself gasping for air, waking up choking or struggling to catch your breath.

Despite a full night’s sleep, you wake up exhausted, with a level of fatigue that’s hard to shake off during the day. If left untreated, sleep apnoea can lead to serious health problems like high blood pressure, heart disease, and even stroke. So, it’s pretty important to get it sorted.

And the other piece of the puzzle is that sleep apnoea isn’t just for adults. It’s estimated that 10 to 20 percent of children who snore may have sleep apnoea. So, if your little one’s a heavy snorer, it might be worth getting that checked. Early detection can make all the difference.

Getting a handle on snoring and sleep apnoea is not only about keeping your partner happy, but it’s about keeping your health in check too.

• Around 70% of Australians over 40 will snore at some stage in their life.
• More than 1 in 10 regular snorers may actually have sleep apnoea, with each episode lasting anywhere from 10 seconds to two minutes.

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