Sleep Apnea Facts
The facts about snoring & sleep apnea
A custom oral appliance can eliminate snoring, improve quality of life, and even save lives — and many medical plans cover it.
You may have seen recent news about the dangers of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and the importance of treating snoring and sleep apnea. A custom oral appliance can eliminate snoring, improve quality of life, and even save lives — and many medical insurance companies provide benefits for this treatment. Our office has special training and expertise in preparing and delivering custom oral appliance therapy (OAT).
OSA is a sleep breathing disorder in which a person stops breathing while they sleep. The tissues in the throat collapse, cutting off the airway despite efforts to breathe — sometimes dozens or even hundreds of times an hour. Typically the person snores heavily, then falls silent while still struggling to breathe, followed by a gasp or choking sound. Each event partially wakes them, leading to fragmented, non-refreshing sleep. The greater concern: when oxygen is cut off, the body floods with stress signals that strain the heart and raise blood pressure, which over time can lead to heart disease or stroke.
By the Numbers
Sleep apnea statistics
Americans live with sleep apnea — about 1 in every 15 people.
of people with sleep apnea have actually been diagnosed.
more likely to have a stroke; 3× more likely to have heart disease.
of people with high blood pressure also have obstructive sleep apnea.
more likely to be involved in a car crash due to drowsiness.
of men and women, respectively, are affected by sleep apnea.
Who Is at Risk?
Sleep apnea can affect anyone
It can affect anyone regardless of age, weight, or gender — even people who are thin. These factors raise the likelihood:
- Mouth breathing — a sign the nasal airway is obstructed
- A higher body mass index (fat deposits near the airway)
- A larger neck circumference (17 in men / 16 in women)
- A family history of OSA or snoring
- Alcohol or sedative use before bed
- Smoking — smokers are 3× more likely to have OSA
- Being male, or post-menopausal
- Being over the age of 40
- A naturally narrowed airway
- Enlarged tonsils or adenoids
- A smaller or set-back lower jaw
Symptoms
Common signs of sleep apnea
Often the person with sleep apnea is completely unaware of the problem and may even deny snoring — but a bed partner will frequently notice these symptoms:
- Loud, habitual snoring
- Gasping or choking during sleep
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Morning headaches
Why Treatment Matters
The risks of leaving sleep apnea untreated
Excessive daytime sleepiness can cause
- Car accidents
- Poor job or school performance
- Loss of productivity
- Strain on personal relationships
Long-term health consequences
- Heart disease
- Irregular heartbeat
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Increased risk of sudden cardiac death
- Loss of libido or erectile dysfunction
- Diabetes
- Stroke
- Insomnia
- Cancer
- Tendency to gain weight
- Cognitive or memory problems
Treatment Options
How sleep apnea is treated
A sleep study — at a lab or with a home sleep test — determines which option is best for you. Proper therapy is decided together by your sleep physician and a qualified sleep-medicine dentist.
Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT)
A custom device worn during sleep, much like a sports mouthguard, that keeps the tongue and soft tissues from collapsing. A first-line therapy for mild-to-moderate OSA, and an option for those who can’t tolerate CPAP.
CPAP
A mask connected to a pump delivers a steady flow of air to keep the airway open. The first-line treatment for severe OSA — though many patients find it hard to wear consistently.
Surgery
Not a first-line option, but it may help patients who can’t tolerate CPAP or an appliance, by addressing a specific airway or nasal obstruction. Often more effective for snoring than for apnea.
Lifestyle Adjustments
Weight management, sleep position, and avoiding alcohol or sedatives before bed can all reduce the severity of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.
Start Tonight
Ready to finally sleep well?
Take a two-minute screening or call our Stratford office — we’ll help you understand your risk and find a treatment you’ll actually stick with.
1825 Barnum Ave, Ste 301, Stratford, CT 06614 · Monday – Sunday · Appointments only