Sleep apnoea is a common sleep disorder that results in interrupted breathing during sleep. This can make people feel tired and have difficulty in focussing, affecting their overall quality of life. There are three types of sleep apnoea: Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA), Central Sleep Apnoea (CSA), Complex Sleep Apnoea (CompSA).

What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)?

The most common type of sleep apnoea is OSA. It happens when the airway at the back of the throat becomes narrower, reducing oxygen flow to the body. This can lead to bad sleep, frequent waking, and fatigue during the day.

In kids aged 2–8, OSA often occurs due to enlarged tonsils. Signs to watch for include snoring, pauses in breathing, or gasping at night, when asleep. Kids may sleep in odd positions or move around a lot during the night. Sleep apnoea can make children feel tired during the day, affecting their energy, focus, and schoolwork.

In adults, OSA is usually caused by the relaxation of throat muscles. Common symptoms include snoring, gasping for air during sleep, frequent waking, and feeling fatigued or irritable during the day.

To diagnose OSA, you’ll need an assessment by a Sleep Physician, often with a referral from your GP

What are the Health Risks of Sleep Apnoea

A study published in 2024 by Jorge Faber in Progress in Orthodontics found that OSA can significantly impact quality of life and even increase the risk of serious health problems like cardiovascular disease. The study further shone a light on how critical the role of an orthodontist when it comes to to addressing OSA in an interdisciplinary team approach.

How orthodontics can help

Orthodontists, like Dr. Carolyn Ng, an orthodontist in Hawthorn that has experience with sleep apnoea, play an important role in spotting breathing issues. Through an examination of jaw size and tooth alignment, they can identify structural problems that might contribute to sleep apnoea.

Orthodontic treatment doesn’t cure sleep apnoea, but it can improve breathing by fixing issues with the jaw or teeth. For example, in kids, orthodontic appliances can help expand the upper jaw and open the airway while in adults or severe cases, treatments like orthognathic surgery may be recommended to create a more open airway.

Dr. Carolyn Ng collaborates with Sleep Physicians, ENTs, and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons to ensure the best possible care for individuals with sleep apnoea in Hawthorn and surrounding areas.