Sleep Apnoea in Midland

When snoring could be something more serious

Occasional snoring is common, but when it happens regularly or is accompanied by pauses in breathing, it may be a sign of sleep apnoea — a condition that can affect both your sleep quality and overall health.

At Helena Street Dental in Midland, we can assess your symptoms, discuss possible causes, and work with you to determine whether a dental device may help manage your sleep apnoea.

What is sleep apnoea?

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is the most common type of sleep apnoea. It occurs when the muscles in the throat relax too much during sleep, allowing the airway to partially or completely collapse. This temporarily stops or restricts breathing for several seconds before it resumes — often with a snort or gasp.

These repeated interruptions can occur multiple times throughout the night, preventing deep, restorative sleep. 

Many people with OSA are unaware of the breathing pauses themselves but notice ongoing tiredness or difficulty concentrating during the day.

What are the symptoms of sleep apnoea?

Common signs and symptoms of sleep apnoea include:

Loud, regular snoring
Gasping or choking sounds during sleep
Waking up feeling unrefreshed
Daytime fatigue or drowsiness
Morning headaches
Difficulty concentrating
Irritability or mood changes

If you recognise these symptoms — either in yourself or from a partner’s observations — it’s important to have an assessment.

What are the risk factors for developing sleep apnoea?

Sleep apnoea can affect anyone, though certain factors may increase your risk, including:

Being overweight or having excess neck tissue
Smoking or regular alcohol use
Being middle-aged or older
Nasal congestion or sinus issues
Family history of sleep apnoea
Hormonal changes during menopause

Addressing lifestyle factors and seeking early treatment can help reduce the impact of the condition.

How is sleep apnoea diagnosed and treated?

Diagnosis typically involves a sleep study, which monitors your breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and sleep stages overnight.

 If you suspect sleep apnoea, our team at Helena Street Dental can refer you to the appropriate medical professional for testing and diagnosis.

For mild to moderate sleep apnoea, dental treatment can often help. We provide custom-made mandibular advancement splints — comfortable oral appliances that are worn during sleep. 

These devices work by gently repositioning the lower jaw slightly forward, helping to keep the airway open and reduce the number of breathing interruptions during the night.

For more severe cases of sleep apnoea, treatment may involve collaboration with a medical sleep specialist who can recommend Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy or other suitable options.

When to see a dentist about snoring or sleep apnoea

If you or your partner have noticed persistent snoring, disrupted breathing, or tiredness despite getting enough sleep, it’s worth discussing your symptoms with a dentist or doctor. Identifying and addressing sleep apnoea early can improve sleep quality, support better energy levels, and protect your long-term health.

Book your consultation To discuss your symptoms or learn more about dental appliance therapy for sleep apnoea, get in touch with our friendly team. 

📞 Call us on (08) 9250 3100 or 

📍 Visit us at 2/42 Victoria Street, Midland WA 6056. 

You can also book online anytime.

At Helena Street Dental in Midland, we work closely with patients and medical specialists to help identify and manage sleep apnoea — supporting safer, healthier, and more restful sleep.