Laser Treatment for Snoring & Sleep Apnoea in Melbourne

Sleep apnoea is a sleep disorder characterised by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. These interruptions, called apnoeas, can last from a few seconds to a minute and may occur multiple times throughout the night. The most common type, obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), occurs when the muscles in the throat relax excessively, causing a temporary blockage of the airway. This leads to reduced oxygen levels in the blood and often results in fragmented sleep, as the person briefly wakes up to resume normal breathing.

Symptoms of sleep apnoea include loud snoring, gasping for air during sleep, daytime fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. Left untreated, sleep apnoea can increase the risk of serious health issues such as hypertension, heart disease, and stroke. Treatment options vary depending on the severity and cause of the condition and may include lifestyle changes, the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices, oral appliances, lasers, or surgery.

Snoring does not necessarily mean you have sleep apnoea, but it can be a symptom of the condition. While snoring is common and often harmless, it can also indicate obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) if accompanied by other symptoms such as gasping for air during sleep, excessive daytime fatigue, and disrupted sleep patterns.

The following can also cause snoring:

• Reaching middle age, which narrows your throat and muscle tone decreases
• Men are more likely to snore due to narrower air passages
• Physical characteristics include a cleft palate and enlarged adenoids
• Sinus and nasal congestion
• Being overweight
• Smoking, alcohol, and medications
• Sleeping positions, such as sleeping on your back, can cause the flesh in your throat to relax and block the airway.

Fotona’s NightLase® is a laser-based treatment that may be considered by patients with concerns such as snoring or mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea. The treatment involves directing laser energy to tissues in the airway.

NightLase® generally requires more than one session, with treatments spaced over several weeks. The time involved can vary depending on the individual treatment plan.

Suitability for NightLase® is assessed during consultation, where individual circumstances and expectations can be discussed. Outcomes vary between patients.

Risks and complications associated with the treatment include:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Discomfort or pain during and after the procedure
• Temporary changes in voice
• Dryness or soreness of the throat
• Minor burns or blisters in the treated area
• Temporary difficulty swallowing
• Infection
• Ineffectiveness, requiring additional treatments or alternative therapies