Snoring and sleep apnea are two of the most common sleep-related breathing disorders. The position of the jaws and related structures influences the development of sleep apnea, making the dentist a key professional in the diagnosis and treatment of select cases.
As a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, Dr. Westermann can work with patients to diagnose sleep apnea and related disorders and provide effective treatment to improve overall health and wellness.
Snoring by itself is generally not a health problem; however, it can be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Patients who suffer from OSA repeatedly stop breathing while they sleep. The prevalence of sleep apnea increases with age, and it is estimated that as many as 50% of elderly men and women suffer from the disorder. OSA is a serious health problem that can have a significant impact on overall physical condition, increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, and even be life-threatening.
Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
There are many indicators that someone is experiencing sleep apnea. One of the most prominent symptoms is loud, persistent snoring. It happens almost every night and is usually accompanied by gasping or choking multiple times throughout the night, as the body struggles to breathe. The soft tissues in your mouth are relaxing too much, blocking the airway while you sleep. The snoring is often loud enough to disturb a partner or roommate.
Sleep apnea disturbs the normal sleep cycle, leaving you exhausted even when you thought you got a good night’s sleep. You wake up feeling unrefreshed and may find yourself dozing off throughout the day. It can be dangerous if it occurs during driving or work. When you’re constantly tired, you’re more irritable, have trouble concentrating on tasks, and have issues with productivity.
You may also wake up frequently or restlessly throughout the night. It may be because you’ve been gasping for air, and you suddenly wake up trying to catch your breath. You may have to use the bathroom more frequently or toss and turn, unable to get comfortable. Many people don’t realize this is because of sleep apnea. You don’t reach the deepness of sleep to restore and reset things overnight, leaving your body lacking in multiple areas.
Morning headaches and dry mouth are coming. Dry mouth occurs because many sleep apnea sufferers breathe through their mouths overnight. Morning headaches are a sign of oxygen deprivation. Your brain isn’t getting enough oxygen because of the blockage of your airway.
Is it Sleep Apnea or Just Snoring?
While snoring is a prominent symptom of sleep apnea, it can also be unrelated. If it’s not sleep apnea, it’s a much less serious concern. There are various causes, including seasonal allergies, having a cold, or being congested, the position you’re sleeping in, weight, and alcohol consumption. If snoring is mild and infrequent, it’s most likely harmless. If it’s something that occurs regularly and is very loud, it’s an indication that it may be sleep apnea.
People who only snore breathe consistently when they’re sleeping, even if it’s noisily. When someone has sleep apnea, their breathing gets interrupted multiple times throughout the night. They wake up slightly to resume breathing, even if they don’t realize they’re doing it and aren’t fully conscious of it. Their wake-up episodes are often accompanied by choking or gasping sounds as they try to resume normal breathing.
The Consequences of Untreated Sleep Apnea
One of the most immediate consequences of untreated sleep apnea is chronic fatigue. Because the airway is obstructed, the body never gets enough deep, restorative sleep. Patients often wake up feeling unrefreshed, even after a full night in bed. This fatigue can lead to daytime sleepiness, poor concentration, irritability, and difficulty staying alert at work or while driving. In fact, untreated sleep apnea significantly increases the risk of car accidents and workplace injuries.
Another serious effect of untreated sleep apnea is cardiovascular strain. Every pause in breathing lowers oxygen levels in the blood, forcing the heart to work harder. Over time, this stress increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and irregular heart rhythms. Studies have shown that people with untreated sleep apnea are at a much higher risk of heart-related complications, making early treatment essential for protecting long-term health.
Untreated sleep apnea can also negatively impact metabolism and weight. Poor sleep disrupts hormone balance, increasing hunger and reducing the body’s ability to regulate insulin. This creates a higher risk for obesity and type 2 diabetes, which can further worsen the condition in a dangerous cycle. Treating sleep apnea helps restore normal hormone levels and supports better weight management.
Mental health is another area that suffers when sleep apnea goes untreated. Interrupted sleep contributes to anxiety, depression, mood swings, and memory problems. Many patients find it harder to manage stress and maintain healthy relationships. In children, untreated sleep apnea can affect behavior, learning, and development, underscoring the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.
Over the long term, untreated sleep apnea can even shorten lifespan. The combination of cardiovascular risks, metabolic changes, and daily fatigue creates a dangerous situation that strains the entire body. Fortunately, effective treatments such as oral appliances, CPAP therapy, or lifestyle changes can significantly reduce these risks.