Sleep apnoea
When sleep is no longer restful
What is sleep apnoea?
The term sleep apnoea covers conditions in which recurring breathing disturbances occur during sleep. The most medically relevant form is obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS). In this condition, the muscles in the throat relax, causing the upper airways to collapse and blocking the airflow. For those affected, this often means a massive loss of quality of life. Sleep loses its restorative function, and night after night the body enters states of stress. At our practice for oral, maxillofacial, facial and plastic surgery in the Zurich / Lake Zurich region we take a holistic view of this condition: we not only analyse the symptoms but get to the bottom of the anatomical causes to provide you with lasting relief in breathing and a better quality of life.
Symptoms and warning signs: how do I recognise sleep apnoea?
The insidious thing about sleep apnoea is that those affected often do not notice the actual pauses in breathing themselves. It is usually partners who report loud, irregular snoring and phases of silence. However, there are clear signs you should take seriously:
- Morning exhaustion: You feel tired and worn out in the morning despite sufficient hours of sleep.
- Shortness of breath and palpitations: An abrupt awakening with the feeling of not being able to breathe.
- Reduced performance: Difficulty concentrating, microsleep and a lack of energy characterise the day.
- Physical consequences: If left untreated, the nocturnal lack of oxygen often leads to high blood pressure , cardiovascular disease and an increased risk of heart attacks.
Causes: more than just lifestyle
In public perception, sleep apnoea is often prematurely reduced to being overweight. While it is true that many patients are overweight and that this can intensify the symptoms, clinical experience often reveals a different main cause: the anatomy.
Frequently there is a malocclusion or a misalignment of the jaws (e.g. a receding lower jaw). This anatomical feature causes the throat to be physiologically narrowed. As soon as muscle tension decreases during sleep, the tongue and soft tissue fall back and close off the already narrow airway. In these cases, weight reduction alone falls short – the functional obstruction must be addressed.
Diagnostics and treatment at our clinic
The treatment of sleep apnoea depends on its severity and the individual anatomical circumstances. The basis is always sound diagnostics, often in collaboration with sleep physicians (a network of ear, nose and throat specialists, neurologists, internists, etc.). While mild cases can sometimes be treated with conservative measures (e.g. dental splints, so-called mandibular advancement devices) or the well-known CPAP mask therapy, many patients seek lasting independence from nightly aids.
The surgical solution: jaw repositioning
Particularly when a malocclusion or narrowed airways are the cause, we offer specialised, permanent surgical concepts. Jaw repositioning (advancement of the upper and lower jaw) is also an option for pronounced cases of OSAS as a stable, reliable and long-term solution.
This procedure permanently widens the throat and enables free breathing without a mask. Our expertise in oral and maxillofacial surgery ensures not only functional recovery but also always takes into account the aesthetic harmony of your face.
Your next step
Do you suffer from treatment-resistant high blood pressure, snoring or constant tiredness? Do not hesitate to seek a specialist assessment. In a personal consultation, we examine whether anatomical factors are present and which treatment option – whether conservative or surgical – represents your path back to healthy sleep and a better quality of life.
What makes the difference:
We take into account the functional, natural limits of what is feasible to avoid long-term damage to the joint, bite, nerves and tissues, etc. In doing so, we prepare a possible procedure by repositioning osteotomy together with other disciplines (such as orthodontists, ear, nose and throat specialists) or through preparatory procedures, for example on the temporomandibular joint.