What is sleep apnoea?
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.
Left untreated, sleep apnoea can significantly affect your health, mood, and daily functioning. Understanding the severity and symptoms is the first step towards effective treatment.
Severity Levels
Moderate
16–25 interruptions per hour
Mild
5–15 breathing interruptions per hour
Severe
More than 25 interruptions per hour
The Impact of Daytime Sleepiness
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
Higher risk of accidents
Strain on personal relationships
Long-Term Health Risks
Moderate to severe sleep apnoea is linked to serious health problems including:
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Type 2 diabetes
Stroke and cardiovascular disease
Common Symptoms
Loud snoring
Waking up gasping or choking
Morning headaches
Dry mouth upon waking
Poor memory or focus
Mood changes or persistent fatigue
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.
Understanding and Treating Snoring
Snoring is caused by restricted airflow at the back of the mouth, leading to tissue vibrations, especially of the soft palate. It affects both genders but is twice as common in men.
Around 20% of couples sleep apart due to snoring — but effective treatments are available.
Common Causes Include
Genetics, age, gender, and weight (fat around throat narrows the airway)
Smoking irritates and inflames the airway tissues
Alcohol relaxes throat muscles and disrupts sleep architecture.
Sleeping on the back increases snoring; side-sleeping reduces it
Treatment Options
Weight-loss programmes
Alcohol relaxes throat muscles and disrupts sleep architecture.
Changing Sleep Posture
CPAP Therapy
Surgical procedures
Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs)
Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADS)
MADs are custom dental appliances worn at night to reposition. the jaw forward, keeping the airway open and reducing snoring significantly. They also improve sleep quality and oxygen intake
MADs are especially beneficial for patients whose sleep apnoea or snoring is primarily caused by tongue obstruction. They offer a comfortable, non-invasive alternative to CPAP therapy.
CPAP Therapy
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. This involves wearing a mask over the nose or mouth during sleep, through which air is continuously pumped to keep the airway open.
At Dr Nuala Cagney Dental, we offer specialised MAD fitting with advanced training in design, fitting, and management — ensuring expert care tailored to your individual needs. Contact us today.
