Snoring Solutions

Dr Brian Franks
BDS (U.Lond) LDS RCS (Eng) MFGDP (UK) FPFA ACIArb

Snoring Solutions with Dr Brian Franks

Approximately 40% of the adult population suffer from the effects of snoring and may also suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA*).

Snoring is caused by a partial closure of the airway during sleep due to a relaxation of the muscles in the neck. The soft tissue then vibrates to cause the sound of snoring.

Snoring has an immense impact on the health and quality of life for the snorer, their partner and family. The lack of sleep caused by snoring has wide reaching effects such as daytime sleepiness, lack of energy, poor motivation, driving while tired, higher stress levels and less effectiveness at work. In addition snoring and especially OSA contribute to other serious health and lifestyle issues, e.g. increased blood pressure, increased risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, headaches, relationship issues, sex drive.

Sleepwell (Clinical name MDSA) is a custom made mouth piece produced within a specialist (Solutions4Snoring) laborary to fit your teeth. Sleepwell is worn at night and prevents the lower jaw from dropping back during sleep thereby preventing closure of the airways.

However, before being considered for Sleepwell, you will need to complete a detailed pre-screening questionnaire. This will provide information whether or not you will need to be recommended to attend a Sleep Apnoe Clinic and/or can be provided with a MDSA.

Sleepwell treatment can only be provided by clinicians who have undertaken a Solutions4Snoring Sleepwell training course.

* Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) - Some snorers “Stop Snoring” and also “Stop Breathing” only to “Start Snoring and Breathing” again a few seconds later often accompanied by a choke or gasp or snort – this is an indication the Snorer has OSA. Every time we stop breathing, known as “Apnoea”, our bodies are starved of oxygen. Our brain instructs our body to partially awaken by refreshing adrenalin. Most OSA sufferers have no memory of this all night struggle for oxygen. OSA robs its sufferers of restful sleep leaving them feeling tired, sleepy and exhausted during the day as well as contributing to many other health problems. Many people are unaware they may have OSA. Sleep apnoea is more common in middle aged men (30-65 years), though it can occur in all age groups.