If you or a loved one snores loudly, gasps for air during sleep, or wakes up feeling exhausted, you may be among the millions of Americans suffering from sleep apnea. This common but serious sleep disorder affects an estimated 22 million adults in the U.S. and can lead to significant health problems if left untreated.
At AH Smiles in Arlington Heights, IL, Dr. Brent Engelberg offers effective, comfortable sleep apnea solutions that can help you finally get the restful sleep you deserve. If you suspect you have sleep apnea, contact our Arlington Heights dental office at (847) 230-9703 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Engelberg.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. These pauses in breathing can last from a few seconds to over a minute and happen dozens or even hundreds of times a night. The most common form of the disorder is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat relax too much, causing a temporary blockage of the airway.
These brief awakenings disrupt your sleep cycle, preventing you from reaching the deep, restorative stages of sleep you need to feel rested. If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to serious health problems.
Health Risks of Untreated Sleep Apnea
Untreated sleep apnea is more than just a nuisance; it is a serious health condition linked to:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease and heart attack
- Stroke
- Type 2 diabetes
- Depression and mood disorders
- Memory problems and cognitive decline
- Increased risk of motor vehicle accidents because of daytime fatigue
Causes and Risk Factors for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the muscles that control the throat relax too much during sleep. Relaxed muscles allow your tongue, soft palate, and uvula to collapse and block your airway. When your airway is blocked, the flow of air to your lungs stops, and your body briefly wakes to resume normal breathing.
Several factors can increase your risk of developing OSA, including:
- Obesity: Excess weight, particularly around the neck and throat, can narrow the airway and make blockage more likely.
- Age: As we get older, the muscles in the throat tend to relax more, increasing the risk of airway obstruction.
- Gender: Men are more likely to develop OSA than women, though women’s risk increases after menopause.
- Family History: Genetics may play a role in your risk for developing sleep apnea.
- Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, alcohol consumption, and the use of sedatives can relax throat muscles and worsen OSA.
- Anatomy: Large tonsils, a large tongue, a small jaw, or other structural abnormalities can narrow the airway.
Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
If you or a loved one experience any of the following signs or symptoms, it may be time to seek treatment for sleep apnea:
- Loud, persistent snoring: Snoring that is interrupted by pauses in breathing is a classic sign of sleep apnea.
- Gasping or choking during sleep: Waking up gasping for air is a strong indicator of OSA.
- Frequent nighttime awakenings: You may wake up multiple times throughout the night, even if you don’t remember it.
- Excessive daytime fatigue: Feeling extremely tired or drowsy during the day after a full night’s sleep is a hallmark symptom.
- Morning headaches: Low blood oxygen levels during sleep can cause you to wake up with a headache.
- Dry mouth or sore throat: Breathing through your mouth during sleep can cause these symptoms.
- Difficulty concentrating or memory problems: Lack of restful sleep can impair cognitive function.
- Irritability or mood swings: Chronic sleep deprivation can affect your mood and emotional regulation.
Sleep Apnea Treatment in Arlington Heights, IL
For patients diagnosed with mild to moderate sleep apnea, an oral appliance can provide an effective, non-invasive solution. Dr. Engelberg can provide you with a snore guard or mandibular advancement device. These custom-fitted devices keep your airway open by gently repositioning your lower jaw and tongue while you sleep.
How Do Oral Appliances Work?
Oral appliances work by gently moving your lower jaw forward. This movement prevents your tongue and soft tissues in your throat from collapsing and blocking your airway. The simple adjustment reduces snoring and prevents the breathing interruptions characteristic of sleep apnea.
Benefits of Custom Oral Appliances
- Comfortable and easy to use: Unlike CPAP machines, oral appliances are small, portable, and quiet.
- Non-invasive: No surgery or complicated treatment.
- Effective: By maintaining an open airway, oral appliances significantly reduce snoring and breathing interruptions.
- Quiet: Unlike loud CPAP machines, they don’t disturb your partner’s sleep.
- Portable: Easy to take with you when traveling.
Custom-Fit vs. Over-the-Counter Devices
While over-the-counter mouthpieces are available, we strongly recommend a custom-fit device made by our dental team. Custom-fit devices are designed specifically for your mouth’s unique structure, ensuring a comfortable fit and optimal effectiveness. Dr. Engelberg will take precise impressions of your teeth to create a snore guard that fits perfectly and works effectively.
Why Choose AH Smiles for Sleep Apnea Treatment?
As a trusted dentist in Arlington Heights, Dr. Engelberg brings extensive experience and advanced training to sleep apnea treatment. He understands the connection between oral health and overall well-being and is committed to helping patients breathe easier and sleep better. Our practice offers:
- A personalized, patient-centered approach to care
- Advanced technology for precise diagnosis and treatment planning
- Custom-fitted oral appliances for maximum comfort and effectiveness
- A warm, welcoming environment designed for patient comfort
Sleep Apnea FAQs
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. The chronic fatigue from disrupted sleep can also impair cognitive function and increase the risk of accidents.
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 further block your airways and worsen 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 in with sleep apnea?
The best sleeping position for sleep apnea is on your side. The right side is preferred because it’s known to help stop snoring and improve blood circulation. Sleeping on your back can cause the tongue and soft tissues to collapse and block the airway.
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 reduce airway size. 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 to breathe properly and comfortably during sleep.
What is the difference between snoring and sleep apnea?
Snoring is the sound caused by the vibration of relaxed throat tissues during sleep. While it can be a symptom of sleep apnea, not everyone who snores has the condition. Sleep apnea is defined by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep, which can lead to significant health risks beyond the nuisance of snoring.
How is sleep apnea diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically begins with a sleep study, which can be conducted overnight in a sleep lab or at home with a portable monitoring device. This study tracks your breathing, oxygen levels, heart rate, and other vital signs while you sleep to detect pauses in breathing. Dr. Engelberg can evaluate your symptoms and risk factors and may refer you to a sleep specialist for a definitive diagnosis before recommending treatment.
Can sleep apnea be cured?
Sleep apnea is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management rather than a permanent cure. However, effective treatments like custom oral appliances, CPAP therapy, and lifestyle changes can significantly reduce or even eliminate symptoms. In some cases, addressing underlying causes such as obesity or undergoing surgical procedures may lead to long-term improvement.
What are the long-term effects of untreated sleep apnea?
Untreated sleep apnea can lead to a range of serious health issues, including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. It also contributes to chronic fatigue, which can impair cognitive function and increase the risk of accidents. Over time, the strain on your cardiovascular system and the disruption of restorative sleep can significantly impact your quality of life and longevity.
Schedule Your Sleep Apnea Consultation Today
If you or a loved one snore loudly, gasp for air during sleep, or wake up feeling exhausted, don’t wait to get help. Untreated sleep apnea can have serious consequences for your health and daily life.
Restful sleep starts here. Call AH Smiles in Arlington Heights at 847-230-9703 or request an appointment online to schedule your consultation with Dr. Brent Engelberg. We proudly serve patients from Arlington Heights, Long Grove, Deerfield, Northbrook, Buffalo Grove, and all surrounding communities.