Do you or your partner snore loudly at night?
Do you often wake up feeling tired, even after a full night’s sleep?
These could be signs of sleep apnea, a condition that affects both your rest and your overall health.
Sleep apnea is a disorder where your breathing repeatedly stops and starts while you sleep. This interruption not only prevents deep, restful sleep but also puts extra strain on your body.
The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which happens when the muscles in the back of your throat relax too much and block your airway.
Sleep apnea often goes undiagnosed because the person sleeping isn’t always aware of the problem. Some signs to look out for include:
- Loud, chronic snoring
- Gasping or choking sounds during sleep
- Pauses in breathing (often noticed by a partner)
- Waking up tired, even after 7–8 hours of sleep
- Morning headaches or dry mouth
- Daytime sleepiness, fatigue, or trouble concentrating
- Irritability or mood changes
Sleep apnea doesn’t just affect your sleep — it can impact your whole body. Untreated, it has been linked to:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease and stroke
- Diabetes
- Weight gain
- Increased risk of accidents due to daytime sleepiness
That’s why it’s important to seek treatment if you suspect you may have sleep apnea.
The good news? Sleep apnea is treatable. Depending on your needs, treatment may include:
- Lifestyle changes – losing weight, sleeping on your side, avoiding alcohol or sedatives before bed
- CPAP machine – a device that delivers air pressure through a mask to keep your airway open (often recommended for severe cases)
- Oral appliance therapy – a custom dental device (similar to a night guard) that repositions your jaw and tongue to keep your airway clear
- Surgery – in rare cases, surgery may be needed to remove tissue or reposition structures blocking airflow
Many patients find oral appliances much more comfortable and easier to use than CPAP, especially for mild to moderate sleep apnea.
If you or your partner notice signs of sleep apnea, don’t ignore them.
A dentist trained in sleep apnea treatment can work with your doctor to diagnose the condition and provide solutions like oral appliance therapy that can improve your sleep and protect your health.
Don’t let sleep apnea take away your energy and health.
Schedule a consultation today to learn about comfortable, effective treatment options that can help you get the restful sleep you deserve.