Sleep apnea is a serious sleep-related breathing disorder that occurs when breathing repeatedly stops or becomes shallow during sleep. These interruptions may last several seconds or longer and can happen many times throughout the night, often without the person realizing it.
At Honey Family Dental, we help patients identify signs of sleep apnea and discuss treatment options that may improve sleep quality, breathing, and overall health.
What Are the Signs of Sleep Apnea?
Many people with sleep apnea experience symptoms that affect both sleep and daily life. Common signs may include:
- Loud or frequent snoring
- Gasping, choking, or coughing during sleep
- Waking up tired or with headaches
- Daytime fatigue or falling asleep unintentionally
- Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
- Irritability or mood changes
- Acid reflux symptoms
- Trouble losing weight
Children with sleep apnea may also experience behavioral concerns, restless sleep, or bedwetting.
Why Is Sleep Apnea a Serious Health Concern?
When breathing repeatedly stops during sleep, oxygen levels in the body can decrease. Over time, untreated sleep apnea may increase the risk of serious health conditions such as:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Fatigue-related accidents or injuries
Because sleep quality is disrupted repeatedly throughout the night, many patients never reach deep, restorative sleep.
What Causes Sleep Apnea?
In many cases, sleep apnea occurs when muscles in the back of the throat relax during sleep, narrowing or blocking the airway. The tongue and lower jaw may shift backward, making it more difficult to breathe normally.
These breathing interruptions, called apneas or hypopneas, may last from several seconds to over a minute and can occur many times throughout the night.
How Is Sleep Apnea Diagnosed?
Sleep apnea is commonly diagnosed through a sleep study that monitors breathing, oxygen levels, and sleep patterns. Patients experiencing symptoms should seek professional evaluation to determine the severity of the condition and appropriate treatment options.
Personalized Care for Better Sleep
Dr. David Honey and our team are committed to helping patients better understand sleep apnea and improve long-term health through personalized care recommendations and treatment guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sleep apnea can affect far more than just sleep quality. Below are answers to some common questions patients ask about sleep apnea symptoms, treatment options, diagnosis, and related health concerns at Honey Family Dental.
How do I know if my snoring could be sleep apnea?
Occasional snoring is common, but loud snoring combined with choking, gasping, daytime fatigue, headaches, or interrupted breathing during sleep may indicate sleep apnea and should be evaluated.
Does dental insurance cover sleep apnea treatment in Libertyville, IL?
Coverage depends on your insurance provider and the type of treatment recommended. Our team can help review your benefits and discuss available financial options.
Can sleep apnea cause daytime exhaustion even after sleeping all night?
Yes. Because breathing interruptions repeatedly disrupt deep sleep, many patients wake up feeling tired even after a full night in bed.
Is sleep apnea only a problem for adults?
No. Children can also experience sleep apnea symptoms, including restless sleep, behavioral changes, bedwetting, and difficulty focusing during the day.
What type of doctor diagnoses sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is typically diagnosed through a physician or sleep specialist using a sleep study to evaluate breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and sleep interruptions.