About half a million adults suffer from snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), making them two of the most common sleep disorders. In addition to keeping someone from getting a good night’s sleep, snoring and/or sleep apnea can also present serious health risks and have been associated with both cardiovascular and systemic disease.
If you snore or think you have OSA, contact our office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Brent Engelberg in Arlington Heights, IL. If you’re a candidate, Dr. Engelberg can fabricate a custom-fit snore guard and/or refer you to a specialist for treatment.
What Causes Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common type of sleep apnea. It happens when the muscles in the back of your throat relax too much during sleep, causing a temporary blockage of your airway. When your airway is blocked, the flow of air to your lungs stops, and your body has to briefly wake up to start breathing again.
These brief awakenings usually last only a few seconds, but they can happen many times throughout the night, disrupting your sleep and leading to tiredness and other health problems during the day.
The blockage that causes obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the muscles that control the throat relax too much. The relaxed muscles cause the soft tissues in the back of your throat to collapse and block the airway. This blockage can make it difficult for air to flow freely, causing you to stop breathing for short periods. The body reacts by waking up briefly to resume normal breathing, which interrupts your sleep cycle.
There are several factors that contribute to the development of obstructive sleep apnea. One of the biggest risk factors is obesity. People who are overweight tend to have extra fatty tissue around their neck and throat, which can make the airway narrower. A narrower airway is more likely to become blocked when the throat muscles relax during sleep. Being overweight also puts more pressure on the lungs and diaphragm, making it harder to breathe normally.
Another factor that contributes to obstructive sleep apnea is age. As people get older, the muscles in the throat tend to relax more, which can increase the risk of airway blockages. Men are also more likely to develop OSA than women, though women’s risk increases after menopause. Additionally, genetics can play a role, and if someone in your family has sleep apnea, you may be more likely to develop it as well.
Other causes of obstructive sleep apnea include smoking and alcohol use. Smoking can increase inflammation and fluid retention in the upper airway, making it more likely to collapse. Alcohol and sedatives relax the muscles in your throat, which can also make it easier for your airway to become blocked. Having enlarged tonsils or adenoids, a large tongue, or abnormal jaw or throat structure can also increase the risk of OSA by narrowing the airway.
In addition to these factors, certain lifestyle habits can contribute to the development of obstructive sleep apnea. For example, sleeping on your back can cause the tongue and soft tissues in the throat to fall back and block the airway more easily. Being inactive or leading a sedentary lifestyle can also increase your chances of developing OSA.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea:
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Loud, Persistent Snoring: One of the most noticeable signs of sleep apnea is loud, frequent snoring. While snoring on its own doesn’t always mean you have sleep apnea, snoring that is interrupted by pauses in breathing can be a key indicator of the condition.
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Gasping or Choking During Sleep: If you wake up gasping or choking for air during the night, it may be a sign that your airway is briefly closing, which is a characteristic symptom of sleep apnea.
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Frequent Nighttime Awakening: People with sleep apnea often wake up multiple times throughout the night, even though they may not remember it. These awakenings are typically caused by the temporary loss of airflow.
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Excessive Daytime Fatigue: If you feel extremely tired or drowsy during the day, even after a full night’s sleep, sleep apnea may be to blame. The interrupted sleep caused by frequent breathing pauses prevents your body from reaching the deep, restorative stages of sleep.
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Morning Headaches: Waking up with a headache can be a sign of sleep apnea. This is often caused by low oxygen levels in the blood during sleep, which can trigger tension or sinus headaches.
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Dry Mouth or Sore Throat: Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat can be another sign of sleep apnea. This happens because people with sleep apnea often breathe through their mouths during the night due to blocked airways.
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Difficulty Concentrating or Memory Problems: Sleep apnea can affect your ability to concentrate, think clearly, or remember things. The lack of restful sleep can impact cognitive function, making it harder to stay focused throughout the day.
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Irritability or Mood Swings: Chronic sleep deprivation caused by sleep apnea can affect your mood, leading to irritability, stress, or even depression.
Treating Sleep Apnea in Arlington Heights, IL
If you’ve been diagnosed with mild to moderate sleep apnea, a snore guard or mouthpiece (also known as a mandibular advancement device) can provide an effective, non-invasive solution to help you breathe easier and get a restful night’s sleep.
How Do Snore Guards and Mouthpieces Work?
A snore guard or mouthpiece works by gently repositioning your lower jaw and tongue while you sleep. This adjustment helps prevent your airway from becoming blocked by relaxed muscles or the tongue falling back into the throat. By maintaining an open airway, the device reduces snoring and prevents the breathing interruptions that are characteristic of sleep apnea.
One of the main benefits of snore guards is their comfort and ease of use. Unlike CPAP machines that require a mask and tubing, a mouthpiece is small, portable, and easy to wear throughout the night. Simply place the device in your mouth before you go to sleep. It’s also much quieter than other treatments, making it a great option for those who share a bed with a partner.
There are two main types of mouthpieces: custom-fit and over-the-counter. Custom-fit devices are made specifically for you by our dental team. We take an impression of your teeth to ensure the device fits comfortably and effectively. A custom-fit snore guard provides the best results, as it is tailored to your mouth’s unique structure. Over-the-counter options are also available, but they may not provide the same level of comfort or effectiveness as a professionally fitted device.
Benefits of Snore Guards and Mouthpieces
- Non-invasive: No need for surgery or complicated treatments.
- Comfortable: Many patients find these devices more comfortable than other sleep apnea treatments, like CPAP machines.
- Portable: Easy to take with you when traveling.
- Quiet: Unlike CPAP machines, snore guards don’t create noise, helping you sleep more peacefully.
- Effective: By keeping the airway open, a snore guard or mouthpiece can reduce snoring and prevent the breathing interruptions associated with sleep apnea.
To determine if a snore guard or mouthpiece is the right treatment for your sleep apnea, we recommend scheduling a consultation. During your visit, we’ll assess the severity of your condition and discuss whether a custom-fit mouthpiece is the best option for you. We’ll also ensure that the device fits correctly, as comfort is key to achieving optimal results.
Sleep Apnea FAQs
Sleep apnea can cause serious harm if left untreated. Learn more by reading the answers to these common patient questions.
What happens if you leave sleep apnea untreated?
If you don’t treat sleep apnea, it can result in serious, life-threatening consequences. It may cause patients to have high blood pressure, heart disease, depression, and diabetes, and can also cause strokes.
How do bananas affect sleep apnea?
If you have sleep apnea, bananas are a food to avoid. In general, fruits are great for people with sleep apnea. However, bananas increase mucus production, which may block your airways more, worsening sleep apnea.
What foods cause sleep apnea?
Foods high in fat content and dairy products are not good for patients with sleep apnea. They increase mucus production, which may block your airways. Foods high in dairy also correlate with weight gain, which is bad for sleep apnea.
What is the best position to sleep with sleep apnea?
The best position to sleep with sleep apnea is on your side. The right side is preferred because it is known to stop snoring and is good for blood circulation.
Do I need a CPAP for mild sleep apnea?
If you have mild sleep apnea, you may not always need a CPAP. Instead, you can wear an oral appliance. An oral appliance is a portable, noiseless, and comfortable alternative to bulky CPAP machines. It keeps the airway open so patients can breathe without pausing during sleep.
How does weight affect sleep apnea?
Excess weight can decrease the size of the airway. Pharyngeal fat, or fat surrounding the pharynx, can restrict the airway. Patients with excess weight are more at risk of developing sleep apnea because they may have less room for airflow. This means some patients may not have enough room for proper, comfortable breathing during sleep.
Schedule a Dental Exam Today
If you or a loved one snores, discuss this with Dr. Engelberg at your next visit to their Arlington Heights dentist office. Arlington Heights Smiles serves many local communities including Long Grove, IL, Deerfield, IL, Northbrook, IL, Buffalo Grove, IL, Arlington Heights, IL and beyond.
Treating a sleep disorder can restore overall health for the patient and those affected by snoring. Call (847) 230-9703 or request an appointment online.