Sleep Apnoea – What You Need to Know
Sleep apnoea occurs when breathing stops for more than 10 seconds during sleep, often due to the airway becoming blocked. These pauses in breathing can happen more than five times per hour, often without the person being aware.
There are different types of Severity Levels with Sleep Apnoea
Mild: 5–15 Breathing interruptions per hour
Moderate: 16–25 per hour
Severe: More than 25 per hour
One of the most common and disruptive symptoms is excessive daytime sleepiness. Always feeling tired can affect your entire quality of life leading to Decreased concentration and focus, Poor academic or work performance, Low mood, anxiety, or depression, Strain on personal relationships, Higher risk of accidents.
Long-term, moderate to severe sleep apnoea is also linked to serious health problems including:
High blood pressure (hypertension) Type 2 diabetes Stroke and cardiovascular disease
Sleep apnoea is diagnosed by sleep specialists with the aid of an overnight sleep study. These are the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and the StopBang questionnaires. Other symptoms of snoring include waking suddenly during the night choking or gasping for breath and anxiety/depression.
Common Symptoms
Loud snoring
Waking up gasping or choking
Morning headaches
Dry mouth upon waking
Poor memory or focus
Mood changes or persistent fatigue
Treatment of Sleep Apnoea
The gold standard for treating sleep apnoea is the use of a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) device. This involves wearing a mask over the nose or mouth during sleep, through which air is continuously pumped to keep the airway open. While CPAP therapy is highly effective, many patients find it uncomfortable or difficult to tolerate. The sensation of air being blown directly onto the face can disturb sleep, often resulting in poor long-term compliance.
For patients with mild to moderate sleep apnoea, a highly effective and more comfortable alternative is the use of oral appliances, such as mandibular advancement devices (MADs). These custom-made devices gently reposition the lower jaw forward during sleep, helping to prevent the tongue from collapsing backward and blocking the airway.
MADs are especially beneficial for patients whose sleep apnoea or snoring is primarily caused by tongue obstruction. At Dr Nuala Cagney Dental, we are proud to offer this specialised service. Dr Nuala Cagney has undergone advanced training in the design, fitting, and management of mandibular advancement devices, ensuring patients receive expert care tailored to their individual needs.
If you suffer from snoring or mild to moderate sleep apnoea and are seeking a more comfortable alternative to CPAP, contact us today to arrange a consultation.
