All about sleep apnea
Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that affects your ability to breathe properly during the night. It’s often marked by loud snoring, frequent pauses in breathing, gasping for air, and disrupted sleep, sometimes occurring more than 30 times an hour. Many people don’t even realize they’re waking up, but they feel it the next day: headaches, daytime fatigue, memory lapses, or irritability.
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): The most common type, caused by the soft tissues in the back of the throat collapsing and blocking the airway.
- Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): Less common, this occurs when the brain fails to properly signal the muscles that control breathing.
There are two main types of sleep apnea:
What are the benefits of sleep apnea treatment?
Sleep apnea doesn’t just impact your sleep, it affects your entire well-being. Fortunately, treatment can make a huge difference.
Better physical health
Reduces your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, liver problems, and Type 2 diabetes.
Sharper mental focus
Say goodbye to brain fog, forgetfulness, and constant fatigue.
Stronger relationships
Restful sleep improves mood, communication, and your partner’s sleep, too.
Improved quality of life
Enjoy higher energy levels, better work performance, and a more positive outlook.
How is sleep apnea treated?
Treatment depends on the type and severity of your condition, as well as your personal preferences and lifestyle. Options include:
Lifestyle changes
For mild sleep apnea, we may recommend simple, effective changes such as weight loss, improved sleep posture, avoiding alcohol, quitting smoking, and establishing a healthy sleep routine. These non-invasive steps are often used in combination with other treatments.
CPAP therapy
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is the most well-known treatment. A CPAP machine delivers a steady stream of air through a mask to keep your airways open while you sleep. Modern CPAP machines come in various styles to ensure a comfortable fit.
Oral appliances
As your Langley Dentist, we can fit you with a custom oral appliance that looks similar to a mouthguard. Depending on your specific needs, it may help by repositioning your jaw, stabilizing your tongue, or opening your airway, all of which can significantly reduce snoring and improve your breathing overnight.
Surgery and medication
In more severe or specific cases, surgical options may be considered. These can include correcting a deviated septum, removing excess throat tissue, or adjusting the jaw structure to open the airway. In some cases, medications may also be prescribed.
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
Common signs include loud or frequent snoring, gasping during sleep, frequent nighttime bathroom trips, dry mouth, morning headaches, and ongoing daytime drowsiness. Even if you’re unaware of waking during the night, these symptoms may indicate disrupted sleep.
Obstructive sleep apnea is often caused by excess weight, but it can also result from anatomical factors, muscle tone, or underlying health conditions. Only a professional evaluation can determine the type and cause of your sleep apnea.
Even if you don’t remember waking, your brain is likely rousing you briefly throughout the night to restore airflow. These frequent interruptions fragment your sleep and can lead to fatigue, mood swings, and health problems, even if you don’t recall a single awakening.
Risk increases if you are overweight, male, over 40, have a family history, use alcohol or sedatives, smoke, or have nasal congestion. That said, sleep apnea can affect anyone, including children and healthy-weight adults.
Side sleeping is considered the most effective position for reducing snoring and improving airflow. Avoid sleeping on your back, as it increases the likelihood of airway obstruction.
Yes. While obesity is a leading risk factor, thin individuals can still develop sleep apnea due to other causes like genetics, jaw structure, or muscle tone.
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