Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) affects approximately 4.7% of the Australian population, with twice as many men than women affected.

80% of cases are undiagnosed, but OSA’s affect on the body can be severe:

Causes and Risk Factors

Excess weight/obesity

Enlarged tonsils/adenoids
A large overbite
Birth defects such as Down syndrome
Hypothyroidism
Deviated septum
Lifestyle factors – including smoking, excessive alcohol, use of sedatives

What are the Consequences?

In the Brain & Heart

Increased stroke risk
Cardiovascular disease
Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Congestive heart failure
Cardiac arrhythmia & atrial fibrillation
Heart attack and death

In Daily Life (Due to Lack of Sleep)

Depression, anxiety & poor judgment
Impaired memory, efficiency & alertness
Morning headaches
Loss of motivation & slower reaction times
Up to 11.5 times the risk of a car crash!

In the Bedroom

Loud snoring
Frequent night urination
Sexual dysfunction & impotence

In other Medical Areas

Poor glucose control & Type II Diabetes
High BMI & obesity due to lack of sleep
Increased prevalence of reflux

Contact McMahons Point Dental for the diagnosis, treatment & management of OSA. We may recommend lifestyle changes, a Mandibular Advancement Splint, or the use of a CPAP machine.