Snoring problems
Why do we snore?
Why do we snore?Over a third of the UK population snore. During sleep our throats narrow as our muscles relax, partially closing our airway. The narrower the space the air has to force its way though to allow us to breathe, the louder the snore.
What is sleep apnoea?
Sleep apnoea is as common as asthma but only one in four suffers are ever diagnosed. 20% of snorers have apnoea. In these individuals, their airway completely closes during sleep and they stop breathing from anywhere between ten seconds to two minutes. This can happen several hundred times a night without them realising it.
Why are snoring and sleep apnoea a problem?
Snoring is socially embarrassing and can lead to relationship break down. It reduces the amount and quality of sleep and leads to increased stress levels, lack of energy, high blood pressure and an increased risk of diabetes.
Sleep apnoea places an enormous strain on our bodies. Try holding your breath for as long as you can and repeat this every few minutes. Imagine doing this all night, every night... Not surprisingly sleep apnoea significantly increases your risk of heart attacks, strokes, diabetes and acid reflux amongst other things. Suffers experience an increase in daytime sleepiness and are seven times more likely to be involved in car accidents.
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What can we offer you?
Over the counter remedies for snoring are repeatedly shown to be of little use and can even be harmful if you have undiagnosed sleep apnoea. Patients should be properly assessed by a dentist who has had specialist training to determine whether they are simply snorers or apnoea. Our dentist, Catherine, is a member of the British Society of Dental Sleep Medicine and has years of experience in this field. If she suspects apnoea she will arrange an appointment with a sleep clinic for further tests to confirm this.
Simple snorers and mild to moderate apnoeics can be successfully treated by our team. We will offer advice on life style changes which can be of great benefit and if these changes do not help we can construct a mandibular advancement appliance . This works by repositioning your lower jaw slightly forward while you sleep, which increases your airway volume and prevents the front and back of your throat contacting.
Success rates vary depending on several factors such as the severity of your condition, your weight, bone structure and ability to wear the appliance. For simple snorers success rates are over 90%. For more information visit the British Society of Dental Sleep Medicine.
Monday: 9.00 – 14.00
Burley House Dental Care,
We are situated on one of the main roads into Leeds City Centre. The surgery has its own car park which may be accessed from Knowle Terrace. There are bus stops directly outside the practice and Burley Park train station is a 5 minute walk away.