All About Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that affects breathing during sleep, often causing frequent disruptions—sometimes more than 30 times a night. It is typically marked by pauses in breathing, gasping for air, morning headaches, daytime fatigue, and excessive snoring that may disturb your partner’s sleep.
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) – The most common type, caused by tissues in the throat collapsing and blocking the airway during sleep.
- Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) – A less common form, caused by a disruption in the brain’s signals to the muscles that control breathing.
Types of Sleep Apnea
If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to serious health risks such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and chronic fatigue. Seeking professional treatment can help restore healthy breathing patterns and improve your sleep quality.
What Are the Benefits of Sleep Apnea Treatment?
A good night’s sleep is essential for both emotional and physical well-being. Even if you don’t remember waking up during the night, sleep apnea disrupts your sleep cycle, impacting your health, relationships, and quality of life. Treating sleep apnea provides numerous benefits beyond just better rest.
Better Physical Health
Managing sleep apnea lowers your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and liver issues. It also helps reduce stress on your metabolic system and decreases risks associated with surgery or medication.
Feel Like Yourself Again
Sleep apnea can leave you feeling foggy, forgetful, and constantly tired. Many patients report waking up groggy and unfocused. With proper treatment, you’ll feel sharper, more alert, and energized throughout the day.
Strengthen Your Relationships
Treating sleep apnea benefits both you and your partner. Reducing snoring and restlessness allows both of you to enjoy deeper, uninterrupted sleep. Waking up refreshed and in a better mood makes everyday interactions—whether at work, parenting, or in relationships—more enjoyable and stress-free.
How Is Sleep Apnea Treated?
The right treatment for sleep apnea depends on the cause, severity, and what fits best with your lifestyle.
Making Simple Lifestyle Changes
For mild sleep apnea, small adjustments can make a big difference. Losing weight, avoiding alcohol and sedatives, changing sleep positions, and quitting smoking can help keep your airway clear and improve breathing. Even if additional treatment is needed, these changes support better sleep and overall health.
Using a CPAP Machine
A CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine is one of the most effective treatments for sleep apnea. It delivers a steady stream of air through a mask worn at night, keeping the airway open and preventing breathing interruptions. While it takes some getting used to, many patients find it life-changing.
Wearing an Oral Appliance
Custom-fitted dental appliances can help reposition the jaw or tongue to prevent airway blockages. These devices, similar to mouthguards, are easy to wear and can be a great alternative for those who can’t tolerate a CPAP machine.
Considering Surgery or Medication
In some cases, medical intervention is needed. Surgery can correct structural issues like a deviated septum or remove excess tissue blocking the airway. For others, medications that reduce nasal congestion or inflammation may be recommended to improve airflow.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sleep apnea disrupts deep sleep, leading to noticeable nighttime and daytime symptoms. A person with sleep apnea may:
- Snore frequently or loudly
- Pause breathing during sleep, sometimes without realizing it
- Wake up gasping or choking
- Make frequent trips to the washroom at night
- Feel unrefreshed in the morning, despite a full night’s sleep
During the day, they might experience:
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty concentrating or memory loss
- Irritability and mood swings
- Daytime fatigue or foggy brain
- Decreased libido
Sleep apnea has several possible causes, and the most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), is often linked to excess weight and obesity. However, other factors can contribute, and only a professional evaluation can determine the exact cause.
Yes. Even if you don’t remember waking up, your brain briefly rouses you to restore airflow when oxygen levels drop. These micro-awakenings can happen 30 times or more per night, preventing deep, restorative sleep and leaving you exhausted in the morning.
You may be at a higher risk of sleep apnea if you:
- Are overweight
- Are male
- Have a family history of sleep apnea or poor sleep
- Use alcohol or sleeping pills
- Smoke
- Have chronic nasal congestion
- Are over the age of 40
Studies show that sleeping on your side (lateral position) is the best way to reduce sleep apnea symptoms and snoring.
Yes. While excess weight is a major risk factor, sleep apnea can occur in people of all body types due to factors like genetics, airway structure, and muscle tone.
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