Explore the unique challenges of sleep apnoea for children and expectant mothers. Learn to distinguish symptoms from common discomforts.
Quality sleep is indispensable for overall well-being, and the impact of sleep apnoea on both adults and children is a crucial aspect of oral health. In this blog post, we delve into the multifaceted realm of sleep apnoea, exploring its effects on various age groups and shedding light on potential causes and treatments.
Optimal Sleep Duration for Recharging Your Body
The importance of a good night’s sleep cannot be overstated. For adults, the recommended sleep duration is typically 7-9 hours per night. Discover how adequate sleep plays a vital role in recharging your body and maintaining optimal health.
Can Kids or Teenagers Suffer from Sleep Apnoea?
Contrary to common belief, sleep apnoea is not exclusive to adults. Explore the factors that contribute to sleep apnea in children and teenagers, ranging from enlarged tonsils and adenoids to genetic disorders.
Sleep apnoea manifests in two primary forms: obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and central sleep apnoea (CSA). OSA involves difficulty breathing due to an obstructed airway, while CSA results from a lack of effort to inhale, causing brief breathing pauses.
In children, OSA is more prevalent than CSA, affecting an estimated 1-5%. Despite its relative rarity, OSA in children is often under-diagnosed. Recognising the causes and symptoms is crucial for timely intervention. If you suspect sleep apnea in your child, consulting a paediatrician, undergoing diagnostic tests, and exploring available treatments can effectively manage or resolve this condition.
Pregnancy and Sleep Apnoea
Pregnancy brings about numerous changes, and sleep apnoea can be a concern for expectant mothers.
Understanding the causes of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) during pregnancy involves hormonal changes, primarily the rise in estrogen and progesterone. Progesterone stimulates brain receptors influencing breathing and oxygen consumption.
As pregnancy progresses, symptoms worsen due to factors like the expanding uterus restricting lung function and increased oxygen consumption. Engorged capillaries lead to fluid retention in the throat, narrowing the breathing space and taxing the respiratory system. The additional strain during nighttime as the body lies down, increasing airway pressure.
This contributes to symptoms like pregnancy rhinitis and nosebleeds, disrupting sleep. OSA symptoms, resembling common pregnancy side effects, may go undiagnosed, especially when snoring is absent.
What Treatment Options Are Available?
Navigating the landscape of sleep apnoea treatment can be complex. The diverse range of treatment options available, include adenotonsillectomy for children, myofunctional therapy, orthodontics, CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure), and more.
If diagnosed with mild or moderate obstructive sleep apnoea, your doctor might recommend a Mandibular Advancement Splint. This dental appliance, resembling a mouthguard, is customised for you after a thorough dental examination and impressions of your mouth. The lab crafts the splint, and after a few weeks, your dentist ensures a proper fit during a follow-up visit, providing wear instructions.
Wearing the splint nightly opens your airway, facilitating improved breathing and, consequently, better sleep. Though an adjustment period is normal, the long-term benefits are significant.
The advantages of sleep apnea treatment extend beyond enhanced sleep to overall well-being:
- Better Sleep: Experience refreshing mornings and eliminate daytime fatigue.
- Improved Health: Address potential health issues linked to poor sleep, such as high blood pressure, hypertension, depression, and obesity.
- Non-Invasive: Opt for a simple, non-invasive solution with the Mandibular Advancement Splint, avoiding the need for medication or surgery.
As the dedicated team at Molonglo Dental Surgery, we emphasise the importance of understanding sleep apnoea and its potential impact on oral and overall health. By unraveling the mysteries surrounding sleep apnea, we aim to empower our readers to prioritise their sleep health and seek timely, effective solutions.
If you suspect sleep apnoea may be affecting you or your loved ones, don’t hesitate to consult with our experienced healthcare professionals.
Book an appointment with our Friendly Dentist in Molonglo Valley. Contact Molonglo Dental Surgery at 02 6287 1222.
