Sleep Apnea Treatment

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes repeated pauses in breathing during sleep, often without the person knowing. These pauses can lower oxygen levels and disrupt sleep quality. The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), caused by a blocked airway. Central sleep apnea (CSA) is less common and happens when the brain doesn't send the right signals to the muscles that control breathing. Some people experience a mix of both types, known as complex sleep apnea. If left untreated, sleep apnea can impact overall health, so it’s important to seek a proper diagnosis and care.

Sleep apnea is typically caused by a blockage in the airway (in obstructive sleep apnea) or by the brain failing to signal the breathing muscles (in central sleep apnea). Risk factors for sleep apnea include being overweight, having a large neck or narrow airway, smoking, drinking alcohol (especially before bed), and having a family history of the condition. It’s also more common in men and older adults. Certain medical conditions, such as nasal congestion, high blood pressure, or endocrine disorders, can also raise your risk. Identifying and managing these risk factors can play a vital role in improving sleep health.

Yes, sleep apnea can be dangerous if left untreated. It causes repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep, which can lower oxygen levels and strain the heart. Over time, this increases the risk of serious health issues such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and even sudden cardiac events during sleep. While not usually fatal on its own, untreated sleep apnea can significantly impact your overall well-being and quality of life. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are key.

Sleep apnea can have a hereditary component. While it’s not directly inherited like a single-gene disorder, certain risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing sleep apnea can run in families. These include anatomical traits such as a narrow airway, recessed chin, or enlarged tonsils, as well as conditions like obesity or a family history of snoring and sleep-disordered breathing. If sleep apnea runs in your family, it's important to be aware of the signs and consult a specialist if symptoms arise. Early evaluation can help prevent complications and improve sleep quality.

You may have sleep apnea if you experience symptoms such as loud snoring, choking or gasping during sleep, frequent waking during the night, morning headaches, dry mouth, or excessive daytime fatigue. Often, a bed partner is the first to notice the signs. If you suspect you have sleep apnea, it’s important to schedule an appointment. Our specialists may recommend a sleep study to confirm a diagnosis and help guide treatment options. Early diagnosis can significantly improve both sleep quality and overall health.

A sleep study, or polysomnography, is a test that monitors your sleep to diagnose disorders such as sleep apnea. It tracks breathing, heart rate, oxygen levels, and brain activity while you sleep, either in a lab or with a take-home device. The results help our doctors identify any sleep disruptions and recommend appropriate treatment.

Sleep apnea can't always be completely cured, but it can often be effectively managed or treated. Our treatment options range from lifestyle changes and dental devices to CPAP therapy or surgery, depending on the type and severity of your condition. Working with your CCOFS doctor can help you find the best approach to improve your sleep and overall health.

CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. It’s a common treatment for sleep apnea that uses a machine to gently blow air through a mask you wear while sleeping. This steady airflow keeps your airway open, preventing pauses in breathing and helping you breathe more easily throughout the night.

If you're looking for ways to treat sleep apnea without a CPAP, oral appliances or mouth guards are common alternatives. They help keep your airway open by repositioning your jaw or tongue. Chin straps may help some people, but are generally less effective. Lifestyle changes and, in some cases, surgery are other options. Consult a sleep specialist to find the best solution for you.

Yes, weight loss can significantly help with sleep apnea, especially if excess weight is contributing to airway obstruction. Losing weight often reduces pressure on the airway, leading to fewer breathing interruptions during sleep and improving overall symptoms. However, it’s crucial to work with your CCOFS specialist to develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Yes, jaw surgery for sleep apnea, also known as maxillofacial jaw surgery or jaw advancement surgery, can be a highly effective option for patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea. This procedure repositions the upper and lower jaws to open the airway and prevent it from collapsing during sleep. At CCOFS, our experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeons offer this advanced treatment in collaboration with your sleep medicine provider. While corrective jaw surgery for sleep apnea is typically reserved for patients who don’t respond to CPAP or oral appliances, it can deliver long-term relief and dramatically improve sleep quality.