Your Step-by-Step Guide to Somnodent

Anyone who snores regularly or lives with a snorer will know this situation is no joke. A lack of sleep can negatively impact snorers and those close to them. Snoring and sleep apnoea can also greatly affect overall health, so this problem should be taken seriously. If you or a loved one snores, several distinct steps will help you and those you love achieve a healthier and more peaceful night’s sleep.

Step One – Arranging a Sleep Study

Talk to our dentist or your GP about arranging a sleep study. A sleep study can be carried out in a clinic or sometimes at home, where your sleep is monitored overnight. It allows a sleep physician to make a proper diagnosis on whether you have sleep apnoea and, if so, the degree of severity.

Step Two – Discussing the Results

After your sleep study is complete, we can discuss how best to treat this condition. Sleep apnoea is caused by the throat muscles relaxing during sleep, allowing your airway to collapse inwards, so your throat becomes narrower, and breathing is obstructed. The condition can mean frequent pauses in breath during your sleep that aren’t enough to awaken you but do prevent restful sleep needed for good health. If you have mild to moderate sleep apnoea, you may be suitable for a Somnodent appliance.

Step Three – Learn More About Somnodent

Somnodent is a comfortable oral appliance that effectively treats snoring and sleep apnoea. It works by moving your lower jaw slightly forwards, so your tongue is also held in a forward position, ensuring your airway is held open while you sleep. The device encourages users to breathe through their nose instead of their mouth and enables a restful night’s sleep. As a guide, people aged up to 64 need between seven and nine hours of good-quality sleep each night. Those aged over 65 need between seven and eight hours every night.

Step Four – Benefits of Somnodent

Somnodent is designed to be comfortable to wear, so you will still be able to talk and open and close your mouth while wearing this appliance. Each oral appliance is carefully customised to fit your mouth and is made from high-quality acrylic that is tough and durable. A second variation of Somnodent is made from flexible material and has a soft lining for even greater comfort. Using Somnodent helps protect your general health, reducing your risk of developing serious health conditions linked to sleep apnoea, like cardiovascular disease, stroke, and diabetes. A study at St George Hospital in Melbourne found that 91% of people reported improved sleep quality while wearing a Somnodent device.

Step Five – Additional Changes to Help Reduce Snoring

Sometimes, making certain lifestyle changes can help reduce snoring and sleep apnoea, enhancing the effectiveness of your Somnodent appliance. These changes include maintaining a healthy weight, not drinking too much alcohol and quitting smoking. It can also help to reduce your consumption of caffeinated foods and drinks too close to bedtime.