At Northview Family Dental in Spokane, WA, we understand how frustrating it is to wake up feeling just as tired as when you went to bed. Sleep apnea interrupts your breathing throughout the night, leaving your body deprived of oxygen and your energy levels running low. Our trusted dental care providers offer comfortable, custom solutions that help you breathe easier and rest more deeply. Schedule a consultation today to start getting the sleep your body truly deserves.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes brief pauses in breathing while you sleep, often without you noticing. These pauses can happen hundreds of times each night, keeping your body from reaching the deep stages of rest needed for recovery. Over time, this can lead to ongoing fatigue and difficulty concentrating during the day.
- Interrupted breathing: Repeated pauses that may last several seconds, interrupting natural sleep cycles
- Reduced oxygen levels: Causes the body to briefly wake to restore breathing
- Sleep disruption: Prevents your body from completing restorative rest phases
- Daytime fatigue: Makes mornings sluggish and energy hard to maintain
Types Of Sleep Apnea
There are three main types of sleep apnea, each affecting the body in different ways. Identifying which type you have is key to finding the right treatment. A precise diagnosis helps your provider create a plan that works best for you.
- Obstructive sleep apnea: The most common form, caused by relaxed throat muscles blocking airflow during sleep
- Central sleep apnea: Occurs when the brain doesn’t send consistent signals to control breathing
- Complex sleep apnea: Combines both obstructive and central patterns, requiring customized management
Symptoms Of Sleep Apnea
Symptoms often appear slowly and can easily go unnoticed. Many people discover the condition when a partner mentions loud snoring or gasping during sleep. Recognizing these early warning signs can lead to quicker, more effective relief.
- Loud snoring: Persistent snoring that may worsen when lying on your back
- Gasping or choking: Sudden awakenings caused by airflow restriction
- Morning headaches: Linked to oxygen level changes during the night
- Daytime drowsiness: Affects work performance, focus, and daily activities
Diagnosing Sleep Apnea
A proper diagnosis starts with understanding your sleep habits and symptoms. Your dental care provider may collaborate with a sleep specialist to confirm your condition and rule out other causes. Once diagnosed, you can explore treatment options that match your comfort level and lifestyle.
- Sleep studies: Conducted in a sleep center to record breathing, oxygen, and heart rate overnight
- Home testing kits: Simple tools that help track breathing interruptions from the comfort of your own bed
- Airway examination: Evaluates the mouth and throat for physical factors affecting airflow
Risk Factors For Sleep Apnea
Anyone can develop sleep apnea, but certain factors increase the risk. Knowing these can help you take proactive steps to prevent or manage the condition. Even small lifestyle changes can make a difference in your sleep quality.
- Excess weight or age: Extra tissue around the neck and reduced muscle tone with age can narrow the airway and restrict airflow
- Family history: Inherited traits, such as a naturally narrow airway, can raise the likelihood of sleep apnea
- Tobacco or alcohol use: Both can relax throat muscles and increase the chance of nighttime breathing interruptions
- Nasal congestion: Chronic sinus issues or allergies can make it harder to breathe comfortably while sleeping
Health Risks Of Untreated Sleep Apnea
When left untreated, sleep apnea can affect your long-term health in serious ways. The repeated drops in oxygen and sleep disruption can strain your heart and metabolism. Seeking treatment not only improves sleep but also helps protect your overall health.
- Heart disease: Long-term oxygen drops put pressure on the cardiovascular system
- High blood pressure: Elevated due to stress from frequent awakenings
- Diabetes: Poor sleep affects the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar
- Mood changes: Chronic fatigue can contribute to anxiety or depression
Sleep Apnea Treatment
Sleep apnea treatment aims to restore normal breathing so you can rest peacefully again. Dental care providers often recommend gentle, effective options that fit naturally into your nightly routine. With consistent care, many patients notice better rest and improved alertness during the day.
- Custom oral appliances: Small, adjustable devices that reposition the jaw to prevent airway blockage
- Laser therapy: Uses precise light energy to firm soft tissue and support better airflow
- Lifestyle adjustments: Promotes healthy habits like weight management and reduced alcohol use before bed
- Collaborative care: Involves working with sleep specialists to ensure comprehensive results
Oral Appliance Therapy
Oral appliance therapy is an easy, non-invasive alternative for patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea. These small devices are custom-made to comfortably reposition the jaw and tongue, helping air move freely through the night. Many find it simpler and quieter than using a CPAP machine.
- Improves airflow: Keeps breathing steady throughout all sleep stages
- Personalized comfort: Custom-fitted by Dr. Leale for a secure, comfortable feel
- Silent operation: Allows you and your partner to sleep peacefully without noise
- Portable solution: Compact and easy to take on vacations or business trips
Discover What True Rest Feels Like Again
At Northview Family Dental in Spokane, WA, our caring team is committed to helping patients find lasting relief from sleep apnea and snoring. With advanced options like oral appliance therapyt, we focus on restoring your ability to breathe freely and sleep deeply. Better sleep leads to better energy, mood, and overall health. Schedule your consultation today and discover what true rest feels like again.