All about sleep apnea
Sleep apnea is a condition that interferes with normal breathing during sleep. People with this disorder experience repeated interruptions in their breathing, sometimes more than 30 times per night, without even realizing it. Common signs include loud snoring, gasping during sleep, waking with headaches, or feeling persistently tired and foggy during the day.
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea: The more common form, caused when soft tissues in the back of the throat collapse and block the airway.
- Central Sleep Apnea: A less common type where the brain fails to consistently send signals to the muscles responsible for breathing.
There are two main types of sleep apnea:
What are the benefits of sleep apnea treatment?
Sleep is essential to both your physical and mental well being. Even if you don’t remember waking up, untreated sleep apnea disrupts your sleep cycle, which can lead to long term health issues and everyday fatigue. Treatment offers a range of important benefits:
Better physical health
Sleep apnea is linked to high blood pressure, heart conditions, type 2 diabetes, liver problems, and a stressed metabolic system. Addressing sleep apnea can also reduce your risk during surgery and improve your overall recovery from illness.
Sharpen your mind
If you’ve been waking up groggy or spending your day in a mental fog, treatment can help restore focus, memory, and clarity. Many people report feeling more alert and productive once their sleep apnea is managed.
Improve your relationships
Sleep apnea doesn’t just affect you, it impacts your partner too. Treating the snoring and restless nights allows both of you to sleep more peacefully, which can lead to better moods and stronger communication throughout the day.
How is sleep apnea treated?
Treatment will depend on the type and severity of your sleep apnea, along with your lifestyle and comfort preferences.
If you suspect you may be experiencing sleep apnea, a consultation in our Dental Office in Vancouver can help determine the right treatment path for you and get you on track to better rest.
Lifestyle changes
For mild sleep apnea, simple changes can be effective. Your dentist might recommend weight loss, cutting back on alcohol, quitting smoking, or adjusting your sleeping position. These changes are often combined with other therapies for the best results.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
CPAP machines are one of the most common and effective treatments. A mask worn over the nose or mouth delivers a constant stream of air, keeping your airway open through the night. Various mask styles are available to suit your comfort.
Oral appliances
Custom oral appliances, similar to mouthguards, can help ease sleep apnea symptoms by repositioning the jaw or stabilizing the tongue. These are especially helpful for people with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea.
Surgery or medication
In more complex cases, surgery may be needed to correct physical obstructions like a deviated septum or narrow airway. Some patients may also benefit from medication depending on the root cause of their sleep disorder.
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
Typical symptoms include loud or frequent snoring, gasping or choking during sleep, unexplained fatigue, morning headaches, memory issues, trouble concentrating, and needing to urinate during the night.
There are many potential causes. In adults, excess weight is one of the leading contributors to obstructive sleep apnea. However, anatomical structure, age, and certain health conditions can also play a role.
Yes. Your brain briefly wakes you to reopen your airway, often without you realizing it. These micro-awakenings can happen dozens of times each night, preventing deep, restorative sleep.
Risk factors include being overweight, male, older in age, having a family history of sleep apnea, smoking, alcohol use, and nasal congestion. Even people who appear healthy can develop sleep apnea.
Sleeping on your side is generally recommended. This position helps keep the airway open and reduces snoring and breathing interruptions compared to sleeping on your back.
Yes. While it is more common in people who are overweight, anyone can develop sleep apnea. Factors like facial structure, muscle tone, and genetics can all influence risk.
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