Could you have sleep apnoea? Sleep Apnoea is a sleep disorder which includes breaks and low breathing during sleep. Each break called an apnoea or low breathing called hypopnea can last minutes or seconds and can occur many times during the night.

Sleep apnoea or hypopnea is often most noticeable in those who snore, however can be properly diagnosed using an overnight sleep study or test where a person's sleep is observed. If officially diagnosed with this disorder it should not be underestimated or taken lightly, associated problems include increased risk of heart attacks and strokes and raised blood pressure. There are a few forms of sleep apnoea; obstructive, central and mixed a combination of obstructive and central with snoring being common in all forms.

Unfortunately most individuals suffering from this disorder are unaware that they have difficulty breathing throughout the night; they will become used to fatigue and tiredness throughout the day due to lost sleep. Therefore if you live with someone you can hear snoring at night be worth recommending they take an overnight sleep study test. For those diagnosed with this disorder there are a number of possible solutions or treatments including; Oral dental devices, sleep on side, avoid alcohol, avoid sleeping pills and various forms of surgery are most common. For those adverse to surgery and keen to avoid it use of an oral dental device is advised. These devices can work for many patients with mild, moderate and even severe snoring and sleep apnoea. These devices can be constructed by your dentists and worn at night, this can drastically reduce the amount of sleep you lose at night making you feel more bright and alert during the day as well as spare those who live with you or even your neighbours such a noise at night! However for severe cases surgery may be the only solution, in this case there are a number of procedures of which Maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) is considered the best surgery for patients. There are also alternative treatments, the most entertaining of which is learning to play the didgeridoo! Exercises used for speech therapy also can be effective, both of which work by strengthening the muscles in the airway. For further information research online, in libraries or bookshops or consult your local specialist dentist and once again if you know of anyone who snores, could be worth pointing out potential cause to them and potential solutions.