Sleep is not a luxury—it’s a vital necessity for your physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being. Unfortunately, millions of people experience chronic sleep disruptions without even realizing it. One of the most common and underdiagnosed causes is Sleep Apnea, a serious condition that affects your breathing patterns while you sleep.

At Stringham Dentistry in Edmonton, Alberta, we are deeply committed to helping patients understand, diagnose, and manage sleep apnea through non-invasive, dental-based therapies. If you or someone you love suffers from fatigue, loud snoring, or restless sleep, understanding sleep apnea may be the first step toward reclaiming your health.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by repeated pauses in breathing during the night. These interruptions can last from a few seconds to over a minute and may occur dozens or even hundreds of times per night. The most common type is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), which happens when the soft tissues in the back of the throat collapse and block the airway.

There are also less common forms such as Central Sleep Apnea, which occurs when the brain fails to signal the muscles to breathe, and Complex Sleep Apnea, a combination of both obstructive and central types.

Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea often goes undiagnosed because many of its symptoms occur while you’re asleep. However, there are some warning signs you or your sleep partner may notice:

• Loud, chronic snoring
• Episodes of breathing cessation observed by another person
• Gasping or choking during sleep
• Morning headaches
• Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
• Mood swings, irritability, or depression
• Insomnia or restless sleep

If you recognize these symptoms, a proper sleep study and consultation are crucial to obtaining an accurate diagnosis.

How Sleep Apnea Affects Your Health: Sleep apnea does more than disrupt your sleep. Left untreated, it can have profound and dangerous effects on nearly every system in the body.

Cardiovascular System: Sleep apnea is strongly associated with high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias). The repeated drops in oxygen level during apnea episodes strain the cardiovascular system, increasing the risk of serious complications.

Metabolism and Weight:Sleep apnea can disrupt hormones responsible for appetite regulation, making weight gain more likely. Conversely, being overweight can worsen sleep apnea, creating a dangerous cycle.

Cognitive and Mental Health: Interrupted sleep affects memory, focus, and decision-making. It also contributes to mood disorders such as anxiety and depression.

Immune System: Lack of restorative sleep weakens your immune response, making you more susceptible to illness and slowing your recovery.

Safety and Quality of Life: Fatigue from sleep apnea increases the risk of car accidents, workplace errors, and poor performance in daily activities. Your relationships and quality of life may also suffer due to irritability or lack of energy.

Diagnosis: How to Confirm Sleep Apnea

If sleep apnea is suspected, the gold standard for diagnosis is a sleep study or polysomnography. This test may be conducted in a sleep lab or at home, depending on your healthcare provider’s recommendation. It measures your oxygen levels, breathing patterns, heart rate, and body movements during sleep.

Once diagnosed, your medical or dental provider will help you choose a treatment option based on the severity of your condition.

Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea

Traditionally, sleep apnea has been treated with a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine, which delivers constant airflow through a mask to keep your airway open. While highly effective, many patients find CPAP machines bulky and uncomfortable, leading to poor compliance.

At Stringham Dentistry, we offer an alternative for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea—oral appliance therapy.

Oral Appliance Therapy at Stringham Dentistry

Oral appliances are custom-fitted dental devices that reposition the lower jaw and tongue to keep the airway open during sleep. They are small, quiet, portable, and far more comfortable than traditional CPAP masks.

Benefits of oral appliance therapy include:

• Improved sleep quality and energy levels
• Decreased snoring
• Reduced risk of cardiovascular and metabolic issues
• Higher compliance and comfort compared to CPAP
• Custom design tailored to your unique mouth structure

At Stringham Dentistry in Edmonton, we work closely with sleep physicians to ensure your oral appliance is effective and properly fitted.

Lifestyle Changes to Support Sleep Apnea Treatment

Along with medical or dental treatment, some lifestyle changes can significantly improve your condition:

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Avoid alcohol and sedatives, especially before bed
• Sleep on your side instead of your back
• Establish a regular sleep routine
• Quit smoking
• Keep nasal passages open with saline sprays or allergy treatments

The Importance of Early Intervention

Sleep apnea rarely improves on its own. If left untreated, it can lead to serious long-term complications. Early diagnosis and proactive treatment not only improve your sleep but protect your heart, brain, and overall well-being.

Take the First Step Toward Restful Sleep

If you suspect you might have sleep apnea, don’t wait. Schedule a consultation with Stringham Dentistry in Edmonton, Alberta. Our team will work with your physician to provide a complete diagnosis and explore the most comfortable and effective solutions—so you can breathe, sleep, and live better.