Sleep Apnea and Snoring

Sleep Apnea

Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a common condition that can leave you feeling groggy and unrested— even after a full nights sleep. If your sleep partner or family members are complaining of your loud snoring, or notice pauses in your breathing followed by a sudden gasp for air, you may be suffering from sleep apnea.

Oral appliance therapy can offer relief for mild to moderate sleep apnea, by helping to restore proper breathing patterns. Dr. Schwan can help you manage your snoring so you can sleep at night and feel rested during the day.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Loud, persistent snoring is a typical symptom of Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Even though family members or sleep partners might comment that it’s keeping them awake at night, the person with the condition often doesn’t even know it’s happening. Other tell-take signs of sleep apnea include:

• Restless sleep
• Feeling Sleepy during the day
• Headaches
• Mood changes and irritability
• Waking up with a sore or dry throat
• Difficulties with Memory and/or Concentration

Sleep apnea is a real health condition that has been tied to heart disease, diabetes, increased risk of stroke, and other complications. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, contact a physician or sleep specialist for diagnosis.

What Causes Sleep Apnea and Snoring

During sleep, the muscles in the back of the throat relax, causing the airway to narrow or even close when you inhale. With Obstructive Sleep Apnea, the body struggles to get enough airflow through the airway, often while snoring loudly. As the brain senses that it is not getting enough oxygen, it responds by waking you up just enough to open the airway and breath in. This process can repeat itself hundreds of times during the night, preventing you from entering deep sleep and feeling rested in the morning.

Treatment for Snoring and Sleep Apnea

Treatments for Sleep Apnea vary depending upon the type and severity of the condition. For those with mild or moderate obstructive sleep apnea, relief may be easier than you think. An Oral Appliance can offer a low-maintenance, non-intrusive solution that reduces snoring, to help you get the rest you need.

How a Mouthpiece for Sleep Apnea Works

An oral appliance is very similar to a sports mouth guard, but is worn at night to prevent or reduce snoring. This comfortable, custom-fitting device opens up the airway by adjusting the position of the lower jaw, helping you to breathe easy throughout the night.

Benefits of an Oral Appliance for Sleep Apnea

Designed by dentists to reduce snoring without inhibiting comfort, an oral appliance has distinct advantages. Unlike other common devices that cover the whole face or use a loud motor, oral appliance therapy is a simple and effective treatment to reduce snoring — without getting in your way. The small mouthpiece lets you move freely, so you can change your sleep position just like you're used to. Its small size makes it convenient to take on trips, or store while not in use.

Stop Snoring in West Chester, PA

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea in the Chester Country area and want to stop snoring, contact our West Chester dental office of Dr. Schwan for a consultation. Find out how an oral appliance for sleep apnea can help you get a good night sleep.

*This information is intended to help individuals manage their snoring and/or sleep apnea. It is not to be used as a guide for self-diagnosis or to recommend a particular treatment. Dr. Schwan recommends consulting a physician for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.