Sleep Apnea

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a common but often underdiagnosed sleep disorder that causes breathing to stop and start repeatedly during the night. These pauses in breathing can last anywhere from a few seconds to over a minute and may occur dozens of times while you sleep. Over time, this repeated disruption prevents your body from getting the deep, restorative rest it needs.

The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which occurs when the muscles in your throat relax during sleep, narrowing or closing your airway. Common signs include loud, chronic snoring, waking up gasping or choking, and feeling fatigued even after a full night’s rest. Sleep apnea can affect anyone, but it is more likely in people who are overweight, have a family history of the disorder, or have certain structural features like a small jaw or large tonsils.

Left untreated, sleep apnea doesn’t just affect your sleep quality — it can increase your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and stroke, as well as contribute to mood changes and memory issues.

How is sleep apnea treated?

At Archie Dental Group in Elk Grove, California, Thaddous Archie, DDS, and his skilled team create custom oral appliances to effectively manage sleep apnea. These appliances gently reposition your lower jaw slightly forward while you sleep, keeping your airway open and reducing breathing interruptions.

Unlike traditional CPAP machines, oral appliances are small, comfortable, and portable, making them a convenient treatment option for many patients. They’re especially useful for mild to moderate sleep apnea or for those who have difficulty tolerating CPAP.

What are the benefits of treating sleep apnea?

Treating sleep apnea can significantly improve both your quality of sleep and your overall health. Key benefits include:

• Better oxygen flow and fewer breathing interruptions
• Reduced daytime fatigue, brain fog, and irritability
• Lower risk of cardiovascular complications
• Improved concentration, energy levels, and mood
• Better quality of life for both you and your partner

If you struggle with loud snoring, restless sleep, or unexplained fatigue, schedule an appointment at Archie Dental Group today by calling the office or using the online booking tool.