What is Sleep Apnoea?

Sleep apnoea is a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. The most common form, obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), occurs when the muscles in the throat relax excessively, causing a temporary blockage of the airway.

These pauses in breathing, called apnoeas, are able to last from a few seconds to over a minute and may occur dozens or even hundreds of times each night.

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Signs & Symptoms: Recognising the Clues

We specifically address snoring, mild to moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnoea and help those with severe OSA who have not found success with CPAP therapy.

Many people with OSA are unaware of their condition, attributing their symptoms to stress or poor sleep hygiene.

Common sleep apnoea signs include:

  • Loud, chronic snoring
  • Gasping or choking during sleep
  • Morning headaches
  • Daytime fatigue or poor concentration
  • Mood disturbances, such as irritability or depression
  • Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking
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The Health Risks of Untreated Sleep Apnoea

OSA is more than an inconvenience. It is a serious medical condition linked to:

  • High blood pressure
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Stroke
  • Cognitive impairment
  • Increased risk of workplace and motor vehicle accidents

The cumulative toll on your physical and mental health is profound, but with timely diagnosis and treatment, the trajectory can be changed.

Diagnosis: Bringing the Night to Light

At Optima Sleep, we collaborate with sleep physicians to ensure accurate diagnosis through:

Clinical Evaluation

Your journey begins with a detailed clinical assessment to evaluate your symptoms, medical history, and oral health. Dentists trained in dental sleep medicine often spot early signs of OSA, such as bruxism (teeth grinding), a narrow airway, or a retrognathic jaw.

Sleep Apnoea Studies

The gold standard for diagnosing sleep apnoea is polysomnography, an overnight sleep study that records brain waves, oxygen levels, heart rate, breathing, and body movements.

Treatment Options: Customised for You

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is a sleep disorder that affects millions of people worldwide, leading to disrupted sleep patterns and a host of health issues. Fortunately, advancements in dental sleep medicine have introduced effective treatments, with Mandibular Advancement Splints (MAS) emerging as a recommended first-line therapy for individuals with mild to moderate OSA, and in severe OSA only when continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment fails or is refused [1].

According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), MAS offers significant benefits and advantages [2].

  • Mild-Moderate OSA (AHI < 30) = MAS first-line therapy Severe OSA (AHI > 30) = MAS recommended for failed CPAP therapy
  • AHI= Apnea-hypopnea index (the official index for measuring OSA)

Understanding OSA

OSA occurs when the upper airway partially or completely collapses during sleep, leading to pauses in breathing. This can happen numerous times throughout the night, causing loud snoring, restless sleep, and daytime fatigue. OSA is classified into three categories: mild, moderate, and severe, based on the number of apnea or hypopnea events per hour.

Tailored Airway Sleep Devices (Mandibular Advancement Splints)

Our primary and most effective treatment option for mild to moderate OSA and snoring is the Mandibular Advancement Splint (MAS) which is a custom oral appliance that gently advances the lower jaw to maintain an open upper airway during sleep.

Crafted using a cutting-edge 3D digital workflow, our MAS devices are:

  • Precision-fit for comfort and effectiveness

  • Backed by robust clinical evidence

  • A proven alternative for patients who are CPAP-intolerant

This tailored solution is at the heart of our non-invasive airway sleep therapy.

Collaborative Care

We partner with GPs, sleep physicians, and other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive management. Whether your treatment involves lifestyle adjustments, adjunct therapies, or referrals for surgical evaluation, our goal is to create a pathway that leads to sustained, quality sleep.

Why Choose Optima Sleep?

Optima Sleep is at the forefront of dental sleep medicine in New Zealand. Led by Dr Basil Al-Amleh, our team combines deep clinical expertise with a compassionate, patient-first ethos.

We offer:

  • Specialist dental expertise in sleep-disordered breathing
  • Tailored, non-invasive Airway Sleep Devices
  • Seamless collaboration with sleep physicians
  • Evidence-based outcomes
  • Ongoing support and follow-up care

Your sleep is our mission. Together, we can unlock deeper rest, renewed vitality, and better health.

Take the First Step Towards Better Sleep

Sleep apnoea may be silent, but its effects are loud and clear. Don’t let another night pass with untreated sleep disruption.

Get in touch with Optima Sleep for a sleep apnoea test.

References:

  • Kushida CA et al. Practice parameters for the indications for polysomnography and related procedures: an update for 2005. Sleep; 2005;28:499-521.
  • Sutherland K et al. Oral Appliance Treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea: An Update. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. 2014; 10(2): p. 215–227

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