020 8460 9742

Welcome to this section where we can offer help to perhaps one of the most troubling social problems we come across, ie a good nights sleep!

Yes, at the Buckley Practice we can treat snoring!

The British Snoring and Sleep Apnoea Association (BSSAA) found that 41.5% of the UK adult population snores - That is some 15 million people who snore. Men were found to be twice as likely to snore as women so 10 million men and 5 million women snore!

Snorers are often unaware of the problem, while their partners are the ones who suffer lack of sleep and all the social,mental and physical problems this creates- tiredness, irritability, lower sex drive, poor motivation and less effective at work. The majority of patients we see are referred in by their partners but snoring can be more serious as we will explain shortly.

Firstly a look at the causes of snoring. Snoring results from the relaxation of the nasal airway during sleep which leads to partial collapse of the soft tissues which vibrate as we breathe. This is made worse by excess weight, alcohol consumption and exhaustion.

Snoring can also lead to Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) which is a serious medical condition. OSA is when a person stops breathing while asleep and then breathes again usually with a snort , gasp or choking sound. These breathing interruptions lead to reduced oxygen levels in the blood which causes the brain to release adrenaline resulting in partial awakening.This cycle may be repeated many times per hour- interrupting sleep and causing daytime sleepiness. Daytime sleepiness increases the chance of accidents at work and falling asleep at the wheel etc - the ramifications are frightening.

OSA also contributes to hypertension, diabetes and ultimately heart disease.

So how can we help?

By provision of the Sleepwell appliance. This a clever precision made adjustable splint (mandibular advancement splint -MAS) which allows the lower jaw to be positioned in a more forward position during sleep. This reduces the narrowing of the airway and creates a larger space for the air to flow thus reducing or preventing the soft tissue vibration and eliminating the snoring.The Sleepwell appliance offers effective treatment for simple snoring and mild/moderate obstructive sleep apnoea.

The first step in helping you or your partner is the assessment.

Dr Sean Buckley has undergone specialist training (with Solutions for Snoring and Ami Johal, an orthodontist, who developed the Sleepwell appliance) to assess patients for treatment. A simple questionnaire is completed by the patient and ideally their partner and then Sean will examine the patient. This will allow an assessment of the severity of the situation and appropriate treatment can be prescribed.

For simple snoring / moderate OSA a Sleepwell appliance can be made.

In addition the OSA patient can also undertake a home sleep study which we can arrange and this is then assessed by a sleep physician and appropriate treatment advised.

For patients with severe OSA an alternative device called a CPAP (continuous positive air pressure) is usually advised and these are prescribed and monitored at specialist sleep centres.We can arrange to refer patients for this if necessary.

The Sleepwell Appliance- is made up of an upper and lower splint - (similar to a mouthguard) which are connected together by a specialised connector which allows lateral movement of the jaw and controlled movement of the jaw back and forth for optimal positioning. This appliance is custom made and is adjustable.

In order to make the Sleepwell appliance we need to take impressions of the teeth and wax records of the way the teeth meet.

These records are sent to a dedicated laboratory and the appliance is returned in a fortnight.

The appliance is fitted and demonstrated and is worn passively for a week or two to get used to it. The connector can then be adjusted by the patient to allow the correct positioning of the jaw until the snoring is stopped.

Why the Sleepwell appliance?

This is the gold standard appliance - there are others available which are less flexible, easily broken or simply don't work. The key benefits are:

• Highly successful- a reported 95% success in reducing snoring
• Customised to your mouth for maximum comfort
• Robust but slimline
• Adjustable by the patient
• Permits lateral jaw movement for comfort
• Can be modified to allow for dental treatment eg if a bridge was placed Sleepwell can be adjusted to accomodate the bridge
• Prevents tooth damage from clenching or grinding

Sean has been providing these appliances for the past 5 years at The Buckley Practice.If you would like to know more about Sleepwell or would like to arrange an appointment please contact the practice on 0208 460 9742 or by email.

Remember Sleepwell and keep well!