Traditionally, snoring was considered a problem for the bed partner, not for the snorer. While the loud gasps and rumbles can keep someone else awake all night, the person snoring seems to be sleeping peacefully. We now know that is not the case. Snoring is the most common symptom of obstructive sleep apnoea.
Snoring is a sound caused by vibration. It happens because muscles, including those in the throat and airway, become extremely relaxed when a person enters the deepest stages of sleep. When the windpipe relaxes and airflow is slightly restricted, breathing causes the soft tissues to vibrate and create noise.
Apnoea is a sleep disorder that causes a person to stop breathing temporarily. During an apnoeic event, airflow is not just restricted; it is completely blocked. When the brain registers a lack of oxygen, it responds by shifting from deep sleep to lighter stages of sleep. Muscles are now less relaxed, so breathing resumes, but the airway is still restricted. Therefore, the person begins snoring, as they gasp in response to oxygen deprivation. Apnoeic events can occur many times an hour, all night long.
Snoring is the most noticeable symptom of apnoea, but it is also the most harmless. This condition takes a toll on your body in two ways. First, your organs are deprived of sufficient oxygen repeatedly. Although the events are short, the cumulative effects of oxygen deprivation can be damaging. Secondly, the deep stages of sleep allow the mind and body to rest and rejuvenate. People who experience sleep apnoea also suffer from daytime sleepiness, muscle fatigue, impaired cognitive function, increased risk of stroke, and much more. If you don’t feel refreshed after a night’s sleep, apnoea could be the reason.
The most common solution for sleep apnoea is CPAP, which many patients find objectionable or intolerable. Other patients may be prescribed a custom made splint to wear at night. Here at Smile In Style, we also offer one of the most exciting and innovative therapies for sleep apnoea, the Nightlase Therapy by Fotona. It utilises the power of laser energy to safely heat the tissues in the throat. By maintaining a comfortably elevated tissue temperature for a short time, the laser triggers a tightening effect caused by the contraction of collagen. A full course of Nightlase is done over three separate sessions over a six week period. This non-invasive treatment can firm up the oral mucosal tissue, decreasing snoring and improving the symptoms of apnoea.
If you want to get more rest and less noise from your sleep, call us at 03 8400 4104 (Moonee Ponds) or 03 8001 6021 (Sunbury) and arrange a consultation to find out if Lightwalker laser therapy is right for you.
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