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Sleep Apnea and Snoring Treatment with MAS Therapy
Dr Kavitha Vegunta
Dr Kavitha Vegunta, Principal Dentist at Precision Dental Care @ Kingston, brings over 15 years of clinical experience with a special focus on Obstructive Sleep Apnea & Snoring Treatment with MAS Therapy. Passionate about addressing the often-overlooked impact of sleep disorders, she has dedicated years to advanced training in this evolving field. She is also a co-author of an upcoming chapter on Orofacial Pain in Pathological Basis of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases by Elsevier.
Struggling with sleep apnea? Book an appointment with Dr Vegunta today and start your journey to better sleep!
Why is My Sleep Disturbed?
You go to bed on time but wake up exhausted. You struggle to focus at work, battle midday drowsiness, and feel irritable for no reason. You might even wake up with headaches or a dry mouth. If this sounds familiar, sleep apnea could be the cause. Repeated interruptions in breathing prevent deep, restorative sleep, leaving you feeling drained no matter how long you rest.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) & Snoring
Sleep apnea is when your breathing stops and starts while you sleep, making it harder for your body to get enough oxygen. This can leave you feeling tired during the day, even after a full night’s rest. If someone tells you that you snore loudly, gasp for air, or seem restless in your sleep, it might be a good idea to check in with your doctor or any other health practitioner.
Sleep apnea is a common yet often overlooked sleep disorder that disrupts breathing during the night. It causes repeated pauses in breathing, leading to poor-quality sleep, daytime fatigue, mood changes, and serious health risks like high blood pressure and heart disease. Left untreated, it can have long-term consequences on overall well-being and daily life.
There are mainly two types of sleep apnea.
Obstructive sleep apnea happens when your airway gets blocked during sleep, making it difficult to breathe. This is the most common type and can be caused by extra weight, large tonsils, or changes in hormone levels.
Central sleep apnea is different. As it happens when the brain doesn’t send the right signals to keep you breathing properly. Certain health conditions can affect how your brain controls breathing, leading to pauses in airflow.
The Daily Struggle of Sleep Apnea
Waking Up Exhausted
No matter how long you sleep, you wake up groggy, head pounding, already counting down the hours until you can crawl back into bed. But even when you do rest, the cycle somehow repeats itself.
Dragging Through the Workday
At work, you find your concentration slipping, you reread emails without even processing them, struggling to keep up in meetings, and spend your whole day fighting off midday exhaustion.
Strained Evenings at Home
By the time you get home, the exhaustion lingers. Small frustrations feel bigger, patience wears thin, and relationships often take the hit becoming collateral damage to your constant fatigue.
Restless Nights, No Relief
Snoring, gasping for air, and tossing and turning make sleep anything but restful, both for you and those around you. Even your closest relationships may start to feel the strain.
More Than Just Tiredness It is A Real Health Risk
Sleep apnea isn’t just about snoring or restless nights. It can also increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes. But here’s the good news, it’s treatable.
If this sounds familiar, it’s time to take action. Book a consultation today and take the first step toward restful nights and energised days. Because you deserve peaceful sleep too.
Symptoms
What Are the Common Signs & Symptoms of Sleep Apnea (OSA)?
During Sleep
- Loud snoring
- Pauses in breathing
- Frequent waking
- Gasping or choking
- Restless sleep
- Dry mouth or sore throat
Upon Waking Up
- Morning headaches
- Extreme fatigue
- Brain fog and poor concentration
- Irritability and mood swings
During the Day
- Uncontrollable sleepiness
- Lack of motivation
- Low energy levels
- Decreased libido
Long-Term Effects if Left Untreated
- High blood pressure and heart problems
- Increased risk of diabetes
- Memory issues and cognitive decline
- Depression and anxiety
Sleep Apnea in Women
Sleep apnea in women is frequently misdiagnosed because their symptoms can differ from the classic signs seen in men. Instead of loud snoring and obvious pauses in breathing, women may experience more subtle symptoms that are often mistaken for other conditions like stress, insomnia, or hormonal changes.
Common Signs of Sleep Apnea in Women
- Chronic fatigue and daytime sleepiness
- Insomnia or difficulty staying asleep
- Morning headaches and dry mouth
- Mood swings, anxiety, or depression
- Brain fog and trouble concentrating
- Unexplained weight gain
- Frequent nighttime urination
Causes
What Causes Sleep Apnea?
- Obesity – Excess weight, especially around the neck, can create fat deposits that block the airway, increasing the risk of OSA.
- Hormonal Changes – Postmenopausal individuals may experience changes that affect muscle tone and airway stability.
- Neck Size – A larger collar size can indicate excess tissue around the throat, which may obstruct airflow during sleep.
- Genetics – A family history of sleep apnea can increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
- Lifestyle Factors – Smoking and alcohol consumption can relax airway muscles, leading to breathing issues during sleep.
- Endocrine Disorders – Conditions like hypothyroidism and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can contribute to airway obstruction.
- Nasal Congestion & Airway Structure – A naturally narrow airway or chronic congestion can restrict airflow.
- Neurological Factors – Conditions like heart failure, stroke, atrial fibrillation, or spinal cord injuries can affect the brain’s ability to regulate breathing during sleep.
Diagnosis
Take Control of Your Sleep Health
Don’t ignore the signs, book an appointment today and take the first step toward better sleep and overall well-being
Understanding Your Snoring & Sleep Apnea Triggers
How Do We Diagnose Sleep Apnea?
Diagnosing sleep apnea involves a thorough evaluation of symptoms, medical history, and specialised sleep tests. A doctor may conduct a physical examination and recommend a home sleep test or an overnight sleep study to monitor breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and sleep disruptions. Screening tools like the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and the STOP-Bang Questionnaire also help assess the risk of OSA.
Doctor Consultation & Clinical Evaluation
- Physical Examination – Assessing airway structure, neck size, and other risk factors.
- Home Sleep Test – A portable device to monitor breathing, oxygen levels, and airflow while sleeping at home.
Sleep Studies
- Oximetry – Measures oxygen levels overnight to detect potential disruptions.
- Polysomnography (PSG) – A comprehensive sleep study conducted in a clinic, monitoring brain activity, heart rate, and breathing.
- Respiratory Limited Sleep Study – Evaluates breathing effort and airflow to detect sleep disturbances.
Questionnaires & Screening Tools
- Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) – Assesses daytime sleepiness levels.
- STOP-Bang Questionnaire – Identifies risk factors for sleep apnea based on symptoms and physical traits.
Take the First Step Toward Better Sleep
If you're experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea, book a consultation with Dental Sleep & TMJ Therapy Canberra today. Our specialists provide expert diagnosis and tailored treatment to improve your sleep and well-being.
Treatment
Treatment Options for Snoring and Sleep Apnea
There isn’t a single, universally applicable method for treating snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. Investigating several possibilities is crucial since what works for someone might not work for others. Here are some treatments that could help:
- CPAP Machines: These are often considered the gold standard for treating moderate to severe sleep apnea. They work well for many people, though some might find it challenging to get used to wearing the mask. The good news is that these devices have come a long way in terms of comfort, and there are even newer, more comfortable nasal and mouth pieces.
- Oral Appliances: These are usually recommended for people with mild to moderate sleep apnea, and in some cases, they’re used alongside a CPAP machine for more severe cases. Think of them as custom-fitted mouthguards that help push your lower jaw forward, opening up your airway and improving airflow during sleep. They’re generally well-tolerated and can be adjusted to fit your needs and budget.
- Oral Myofunctional Therapy: This therapy has had significant outcomes, lowering apneic episodes by up to 50% in adults and 63% in children. It frequently goes hand in hand with other therapies like oral appliances or CPAP equipment. It basically consists of exercises that are intended to help you maintain your airway open while you sleep by strengthening the muscles surrounding it. If you’re searching for something extra to help support your treatment plan, you might want to give it a try.
- Nasal Strips and Plugs: If nasal congestion is a big issue for you, nasal strips can help by gently opening your nasal passages to make breathing easier. There are also nasal plugs that work by supporting the nostrils, preventing them from collapsing. These are inexpensive options you can either order online or get through us.
- Lip Taping or Chin Straps: Some people find relief by encouraging nasal breathing. Using micropore tape (you can find this at most chemists) to keep your lips together or wearing a chin strap to hold your mouth closed while you sleep can help reduce snoring for some.
- Surgery: In the past, surgery on the soft palate and the base of the tongue was a more common treatment. However, it’s not as widely recommended these days because the long-term benefits are limited.
TThere’s no need to be overwhelmed by the choices, each person’s journey with OSA is unique, and we’re here to help guide you to the best option for you.
Why Choose Us?
Experienced Specialists
Our dental sleep experts are trained in treating sleep apnea and TMJ disorders.
Personalised Care
Every treatment plan is tailored to your unique needs.
Advanced Technology
We use state-of-the-art tools for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
Comfort-Focused Solutions
Designed for better compliance and long-term results.