Sleep Apnea Allentown, PA

Why do I always wake up feeling more tired than when I went to sleep?

Sleep apnea is a medical condition that all too often goes undiagnosed. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type of sleep apnea that affects millions of American adults. If you snore loudly, wake up throughout the night gasping for air, or wake more groggy and tired than when you went to sleep, you may have sleep apnea. There are effective treatment options for OSA that can help guard against further damage to your oral and systemic health.

Sleep apnea is characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway becomes blocked, cutting the flow of oxygen to the vital organs. This happens when the soft tissues in the mouth relax and collapse towards the back of the throat. The involuntary movement of the soft tissues in the oral cavity barricades the airway, making it difficult to breathe properly during sleep.

Patients with sleep apnea frequently snore loudly while they sleep. Patients may also experience headaches when they wake, have difficulty concentrating, and feel irritable and tired all of the time.

If untreated, sleep apnea can cause various issues, including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and daytime fatigue. It is important to recognize the symptoms early and seek treatment to improve your quality of life and prevent long-term complications. Sleep apnea can impact your quality of life, leaving you feeling frustrated and even depressed. However, sleep apnea can be treated as a dental concern by Dr. Kuperavage. She has advanced training in the use of oral appliances to address the underlying cause of sleep apnea and improve symptoms for patients diagnosed with mild to moderate disorders.

do you have sleep apnea

Do I have sleep apnea?

If one or more of the following symptoms apply to you, consider talking to your physician or dentist about sleep apnea. Anyone can have sleep apnea; however, men over the age of 40 are most commonly diagnosed with sleep apnea. Patients who are overweight, have a large neck circumference, or have a genetic predisposition to sleep apnea are also more likely to be diagnosed. Treatment can be life-saving.

If you answer “yes” to one or more of these questions, Dr. Gil can work with you to determine if you have sleep apnea.

  • Have you been told that you snore loudly?
  • Do you often wake from sleep to gasp for air?
  • Do you experience frequent morning headaches?
  • Do you still feel groggy in the morning or have difficulty concentrating on tasks?
  • Are you often irritable?
  • Do you feel like you are chronically tired or don’t have the energy you need to enjoy life?

Key Risk Factors for Sleep Apnea

While anyone can develop sleep apnea, certain factors can increase your risk. Here are the most common risk factors:

  • Obesity: Excess weight, especially around the neck, can increase the likelihood of airway obstruction, which leads to obstructive sleep apnea.
  • Age: Sleep apnea is more common in adults, especially those over the age of 40.
  • Gender: Men are more likely to develop sleep apnea than women, though women’s risk increases after menopause.
  • Family History: A family history of sleep apnea may increase your risk of developing the disorder.
  • Neck Size: People with a thick neck (greater than 17 inches in men or 16 inches in women) are more likely to experience sleep apnea due to the increased likelihood of airway obstruction.
  • Smoking: Smoking contributes to inflammation and fluid retention in the upper airways, which can worsen sleep apnea.
  • Alcohol and Sedatives: These substances relax the muscles of the throat, which can exacerbate sleep apnea symptoms.
  • Nasal Congestion: Chronic nasal issues, like allergies or a deviated septum, can make it difficult to breathe through the nose and increase the likelihood of sleep apnea.

If you have one or more of these risk factors, discuss your concerns with Dr. Gil or Dr. Kuperavage, who can screen for sleep apnea.

How can my dentist help treat sleep apnea?

While your dentist may not be the first person you think of when treating a sleep disorder, Dr. Kuperavage can offer relief. She provides patients who have been diagnosed with sleep apnea with custom oral sleep appliance therapy. Sleep appliance therapy is more discreet and has a higher compliance rate than traditional CPAP machines. The sleep appliance is custom-designed to fit comfortably in your mouth while you sleep. The device realigns the jaw and tissues to keep the airway clear while you sleep, allowing normal oxygen flow. Patients who choose oral sleep appliance therapy for sleep apnea enjoy a more restful, healthy sleep.

Here are some key benefits of using an oral appliance to treat sleep apnea:

  1. Improved Comfort: Unlike CPAP machines, which involve wearing a mask over the nose and/or mouth, oral appliances are small, comfortable, and easy to wear. They are also portable, making them ideal for people who travel frequently.

  2. Non-Invasive Treatment: Oral appliances are a non-invasive treatment option for sleep apnea, which means there is no need for surgery or a bulky device. This is especially appealing to people who do not tolerate CPAP therapy well.

  3. Better Sleep Quality: By keeping the airway open and preventing snoring or choking, oral appliances can help you get a better night’s sleep, increasing energy and improving overall health.

  4. Improved Daytime Alertness: You are more likely to feel refreshed and alert during the day with better quality sleep. This can improve your productivity, mood, and concentration.

Find Help for Sleep Apnea

If you or someone you love may have sleep apnea, contact Dr. Gil. Treating sleep apnea with a customized oral sleep appliance can improve your health and your outlook on life. Hamilton Dental Designs is proud to provide state-of-the-art dental care services with compassion and skill to new and returning patients from communities in and around Allentown, Macungie, Wescosville, and Trexlertown PA. Call our Allentown, PA dentist office at 610-421-4540 or use our online form to request your personal consultation.