A good night’s sleep does more than help you feel refreshed — it protects your overall health. But for millions of people, nighttime breathing issues such as sleep apnea interrupt sleep without them even realizing it. At Stringham Dentistry, we take sleep health seriously because undiagnosed sleep apnea can impact your heart, brain, weight, mood, and long-term wellness.
In this guide, we break down what sleep apnea is, common symptoms, risk factors, treatment options, and how our dental sleep specialists can help you breathe easier again.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder where your breathing repeatedly pauses while you sleep. These pauses can last several seconds — or even longer — and occur multiple times throughout the night.
There are two main types:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): The most common type; caused by the airway collapsing or becoming blocked.
- Central Sleep Apnea: Related to the brain failing to send proper signals for breathing.
When the airway is blocked, your brain wakes your body just enough to restore airflow — preventing you from entering deep, restorative sleep. Many people think sleep apnea always includes loud snoring, but sleep apnea without snoring is also possible.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Common signs of sleep apnea include:
- Loud or frequent snoring (snoring vs sleep apnea is often misunderstood)
- Waking up gasping or choking
- Excessive daytime fatigue or dozing off easily
- Morning headaches or dry mouth
- Irritability, mood changes, or memory issues
- Difficulty concentrating
- Waking frequently throughout the night
Because symptoms occur while sleeping, many people go years without knowing they have it — until a partner notices or a doctor suggests a sleep evaluation.
What Causes Sleep Apnea?
Causes of sleep apnea vary from person to person. Contributing risk factors may include:
- Being overweight or experiencing weight changes
(Yes — does sleep apnea cause weight gain? It can. Disrupted sleep affects metabolism and hormones.) - Genetics
(Is sleep apnea hereditary? There is a strong family connection in many cases.) - Aging
- Large tonsils or tongue
- Nasal or airway structure issues
- Smoking or alcohol use
Even children can develop sleep apnea if they have enlarged tonsils or airway problems.
How Sleep Apnea Affects Your Health
Left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to serious health concerns such as:
- High blood pressure & heart disease
- Increased risk of stroke
- Type 2 diabetes
- Chronic fatigue & reduced productivity
- Depression and anxiety
Because the disorder interrupts oxygen flow, your body remains stressed throughout the night — weakening your long-term health.
When Should You Seek Help?
If you experience sleep apnea symptoms or a partner notices breathing pauses while you sleep, don’t ignore the warning signs. A simple consultation and sleep evaluation can lead to life-changing improvements in your energy, mood, and overall well-being.
Breathe Better, Sleep Better With Stringham Dentistry
Quality sleep is essential — and you deserve it. At Stringham Dentistry, we help patients restore healthy breathing through personalized treatment options that fit their lifestyle.
If you’re concerned about what causes sleep apnea, your symptoms, or finding a solution that doesn’t involve a machine, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Schedule your consultation today and discover how better sleep can transform your health and your life.
