Sleep apnea is more than a nightly inconvenience—it’s a condition that can quietly affect your health, energy, and daily life. Many people experience loud snoring or daytime exhaustion without realizing the cause. With professional guidance, you can finally enjoy deeper rest and renewed vitality. At Stephens Dentistry in Evanston, IL, our trusted providers offer personalized sleep apnea care designed to help you breathe easier and feel your best. Schedule your consultation today to take the first step toward better sleep.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea happens when your breathing repeatedly stops and starts throughout the night. These pauses limit oxygen intake and prevent your body from entering the deep, restorative stages of sleep. Treatment helps you regain restful nights and wake feeling refreshed.
- Interrupted breathing: Repeated pauses in airflow disrupt normal sleep cycles
- Reduced oxygen levels: Lower oxygen supply impacts heart and brain function over time
- Unrestful nights: Even after hours in bed, you may still wake up tired
Types Of Sleep Apnea
Different types of sleep apnea require different treatment approaches. Knowing which type you have helps your provider tailor the most effective care. Once properly diagnosed, the path to better sleep becomes clear.
- Obstructive sleep apnea: Caused by relaxed throat muscles that block airflow
- Central sleep apnea: Occurs when the brain doesn’t send the right signals to breathing muscles
- Complex sleep apnea: A mix of both, sometimes found after CPAP therapy
Symptoms Of Sleep Apnea
Many symptoms occur during sleep, making them easy to miss. Often, a partner may notice signs before you do. Recognizing these clues early can lead to faster diagnosis and better health outcomes.
- Loud or chronic snoring: Persistent snoring that disrupts rest for you or your partner
- Gasping or choking: Sudden awakenings feeling short of breath
- Daytime fatigue: Difficulty concentrating or staying awake during routine activities
- Morning issues: Frequent headaches, dry mouth, or irritability
Diagnosing Sleep Apnea
Getting diagnosed is simple and can be done from home or in a clinical setting. During your consultation, your provider reviews your symptoms and health history to choose the right test. Both methods help identify the type and severity of sleep apnea so you can begin treatment confidently.
- Health review: Discuss sleep habits, symptoms, and overall medical background
- Sleep studies: Overnight evaluation in a clinic to measure breathing and oxygen levels
- Home testing kits: Convenient way to assess sleep quality from your own bed
Risk Factors For Sleep Apnea
Certain lifestyle or health factors can increase the risk of developing sleep apnea. Understanding them allows you to make positive changes and lower your chances of complications. Awareness is often the first step toward prevention.
- Excess weight: Extra tissue around the airway can cause obstruction
- Lifestyle habits: Alcohol or smoking before bed relax throat muscles
- Age factor: Risk rises in adults over 40, though younger individuals may also be affected
- Family history: Shared traits can make sleep apnea more likely
Health Risks Of Untreated Sleep Apnea
Leaving sleep apnea untreated can lead to more than restless nights. It places strain on vital organs and increases the likelihood of serious medical conditions. Managing the condition protects your long-term health and helps you feel more energized each day.
- Heart concerns: Elevated risk of high blood pressure and heart disease
- Stroke risk: Interrupted breathing may contribute to higher stroke potential
- Diabetes connection: Poor sleep regulation affects insulin and glucose control
- Mental well-being: Chronic fatigue can worsen mood, memory, and concentration
Sleep Apnea Treatment
Our providers specialize in oral appliance therapy, an effective and comfortable solution for many patients. These custom-made devices reposition the jaw to keep the airway open during sleep. They’re small, portable, and easy to maintain—ideal for nightly use and travel alike.
- Custom design: Individually crafted to fit your mouth and support natural breathing
- Airway support: Keeps the jaw slightly forward to prevent airway collapse
- Easy maintenance: Compact and simple to clean compared to CPAP machines
- Improved comfort: Great option for patients seeking a quiet, mask-free alternative
Breathe Better,
Dream Brighter
Peaceful sleep can change how you feel, think, and live each day. With expert guidance and the right treatment, you can finally rest deeply and wake ready to take on the day. Our compassionate team at Stephens Dentistry in Evanston, IL, is here to help you find lasting relief and a healthier future. Call today to schedule your consultation and rediscover the comfort of true rest.