sleep
sleep solutions
Cairns Dental Sleep Clinic is now available
We work closely with a Local Sleep, Respiratory and General Physician who can offer comprehensive diagnostic services and help to manage a range of sleep and breathing problems including obstructive sleep apnoea, snoring and insomnia.
Options to help with Sleep apnoea are, a continuous positive airway or more commonly known as a CPAP, another option is the use of custom fitted oral appliances. That’s where we can help.
Similar to a mouth guard, easy to use
Custom fitted to your mouth, easy to use
Comfortable fit, easy to remove
A custom fitted oral appliance is worn to gently position the lower jaw forward, which helps to prevent the collapse of soft tissue which can cause snoring and in severe cases, airway obstruction. Oral appliances are easy to sleep with and suited to people with mild to moderate cases of Sleep apnoea and in some cases where CPAP is not tolerated.
Our dentist can discuss the best option for your needs.
Sleep Apnoea
Over 70% of people who regularly snore also have sleep apnoea with most people unaware that they are suffering from the condition.
Effective Treatments
Oral appliances and CPAP are proven as the treatment options to stop snoring.
What’s Right for You?
Oral appliances
Commonly known as sleep apnoea/snoring mouth guards, are regarded by sleep physicians as the best treatment for overcoming snoring. We can assist with oral appliance devices that are best suited for you.
The CPAP machine
Another main treatment for sleep apnoea. The main difference to CPAP is that oral appliances are far more comfortable, easy to use, and travel with.
Many people diagnosed with sleep apnoea are not able to use the CPAP machine and are not receiving treatment. Oral appliances are now the proven alternative.
Sleep, why we need it?
Sleep has been called the 3rd pillar of health
Right up there with healthy food and exercise. So it’s important to get the right amount of good quality sleep every night.
Sleep is something we take for granted: until something stops us from getting it. Lack of it commonly results in daytime fatigue and slowed thought processes.
Sleep has also been linked to weight gain, susceptibility to colds and flu, high blood pressure, diabetes, and even a reduced lifespan.
Poor sleep increases your risk of being involved in a car or work accident by 7 times and can have serious effects on your health.
Snoring
Snoring is a very common condition. About 30% of men and 9% of women snore habitually. It’s more common in smokers, people who are overweight, and those who drink alcohol. Snoring drives many partners of snorers from the bedroom and can cause relationship problems. Snoring can be effectively treated, so if your partner snores, don’t suffer in silence. Send your partner off to their doctor or dentist. Many people who snore actually have a condition called sleep apnea which can have serious consequences for their health if it’s not treated effectively.
Sleep apnea
Sleep apnea is a condition where your breathing is interrupted when you sleep. It’s often associated with snoring. Effective treatment can help you sleep better and prevent the long-term health problems that it can cause.
Insomnia
Insomnia can be induced by crying children, outside noises, body aches and pains, an uncomfortable bed, too much exposure to light at night, as well as dining late and drinking alcohol or caffeinated drinks in the evening.
Emotional stress, anxiety or worries
Common causes of insomnia. Most people have experienced nights spent tossing and turning, trying to get their brains to turn off so they can go back to sleep. It’s catch 22 really, because the more you lie awake worrying, the more fatigued you’ll be next day, reducing your ability to solve the problems that have been keeping you awake!
Relationships can suffer
When your bed partner can’t sleep, especially if their snoring and restlessness interrupt your rest.
treat insomnia effectively
You first need to work out the cause. If you have trouble getting off to sleep, or if you keep waking up in the night and can’t get back to sleep, you should see your doctor. In addition to the everyday causes of insomnia, there are some specific disorders that your doctor can help you explore, that may be preventing you from getting the z-z-z’s you need for good health.
Other sleep disorders
- Restless legs are a feeling that makes people feel like constantly moving or stretching their legs. It can make it very difficult to get to sleep and stay asleep.
- Periodic limb movements are involuntary movements of the legs, and sometimes the arms, that can interfere with sleep.
- Narcolepsy is a disorder in which a person’s nighttime sleeping pattern is abnormal. They’re very sleepy during the day and can fall asleep or briefly collapse without warning.
- Nightmares, night terrors, and sleepwalking. Children are often affected by these disorders, but they tend to grow out of them without treatment. If an adult is affected, they may benefit from cognitive behaviour therapy.
With the help of your doctor, you can work out what’s causing your problem. The doctor may recommend an assessment to help pinpoint the cause.