Sleep Apnea Therapy − Sleepy Hollow, IL
Sleep apnea is a condition where a person temporarily stops breathing while asleep. The term “apnea” literally means “to stop breathing.”
Because it occurs during sleep, many people don’t realize they have it. One common warning sign is chronic snoring. As throat muscles relax, surrounding tissues may vibrate during breathing, which causes snoring. While not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, many with the condition do snore.
Sleep apnea is more common in men, older adults, and those who are overweight—but younger, fit individuals can still be at risk. Studies suggest up to 1 in 4 Americans may be at high risk. If you snore or feel excessively tired during the day despite a full night’s sleep, you should consider getting evaluated. A sleep study ordered by your doctor can confirm the diagnosis.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive Sleep Apnea occurs when your airway becomes blocked during sleep. This typically happens when the muscles in your throat relax too much, causing the soft tissues of the throat and tongue to temporarily collapse. Although you’re asleep, your brain senses the lack of oxygen and briefly wakes you just enough to resume breathing. Once you relax again, the cycle often repeats.
This pattern can occur hundreds of times each night, leading to poor-quality sleep and constant drowsiness. Studies have linked sleep apnea to serious health issues, including cognitive decline, heart disease, diabetes, acid reflux, and more.
Procedure Overview
While your primary care doctor is the one who diagnoses sleep apnea and prescribes treatment, your dentist can also help manage the condition. The most common treatment is CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure), which uses a machine to deliver constant airflow through a mask while you sleep. However, many patients find CPAP machines uncomfortable, difficult to sleep with, and challenging to keep clean at home.
So how can your dentist help with sleep apnea? Dentistry offers an alternative many find more comfortable: custom oral appliances. These devices, similar to a sports mouthguard, gently reposition the lower jaw to keep the airway open and prevent soft tissue collapse. Instead of wearing a bulky mask, you simply wear a custom-fitted dental appliance at night. Many of these devices also help reduce snoring, leading to better sleep for both you and your partner.
If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea, we can work with you and your physician in Sleepy Hollow, IL to create a personalized plan using a dental device that helps you breathe better and sleep soundly.
