Sleep Apnea Is Dangerous
Do you wake up with headaches or experience bad snoring? If you are not breathing properly at night, there is a good chance you may have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a serious medical condition that compromises your sleep — and your health. Dr. Nicholas Rallis, our experienced dentist in Queens, has helped many patients with sleep apnea restore their sleep routine with dental interventions and lifestyle changes. We are here to help you do the same. Read our patient reviews to see how effective our sleep apnea treatment plans can be.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a condition experienced by millions of Americans characterized by frequent pauses in breathing or reduced airflow during sleep. Many individuals with sleep apnea stop breathing for a period of time while asleep, are awakened just long enough to begin breathing again, and then continue the cycle of interrupted breathing patterns. These incidences of disrupted breath can cause a poor night’s sleep as well as heavy stress on the body that often results in daytime symptoms. While sleep apnea is often caused by excessive relaxation of the oral tissues in the throat and nasal passages (obstructive sleep apnea), some patients may have a rarer form of the condition called central sleep apnea. In this case, sleep apnea is caused by the brain failing to send the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. Some individuals may even experience a mixture of both obstructive and central sleep apnea, a case known as complex or “mixed” sleep apnea. No matter the cause of your symptoms, Dr. Rallis can develop a personalized treatment plan to help you treat your sleep apnea and achieve a healthy night’s sleep.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?
Many warning signs of a more serious condition, such as OSA, are easy to ignore. Loud snoring is often written off, but it could be a red flag that the individual is having problems breathing while sleeping. Common symptoms and warning signs include:
Choking or gasping for air
Waking up choking, gasping, or struggling to catch your breath may be a sign that your airway is becoming blocked during sleep. These episodes can interrupt your rest and may indicate obstructive sleep apnea.
Loud breathing
Loud or labored breathing during sleep can be a warning sign of restricted airflow. If your breathing is unusually noisy at night, especially when accompanied by snoring, it may be worth discussing with a dental sleep apnea specialist.
Bouts of insomnia
Sleep apnea can make it difficult to stay asleep throughout the night. Repeated interruptions in breathing may cause frequent awakenings, resulting in restless sleep and difficulty maintaining a consistent sleep routine.
Pauses in breathing while sleeping
Periods when you stop breathing during sleep are one of the most important warning signs of sleep apnea. These pauses can repeatedly interrupt your sleep and reduce the amount of oxygen reaching your body.
Morning headaches or migraines
Frequent morning headaches or migraines may be associated with disrupted breathing during sleep. Repeated interruptions in oxygen flow and poor-quality sleep can leave you waking up feeling tired or experiencing head pain.
Daytime drowsiness and fatigue
Poor sleep caused by repeated breathing interruptions can leave you feeling excessively tired or sleepy during the day. Persistent daytime fatigue may affect your concentration, mood, productivity, and overall quality of life.
What Are the Risks of Sleep Apnea?
“Obstructive sleep apnea is destroying the health of millions of Americans…”
American Academy of Sleep Medicine
Not being able to enjoy a good night’s rest can compromise your daily life and affect your mood. Side effects of these interruptions in sleep can include depression, mood swings, weight gain, irritability, and fatigue.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has discovered that many patients with sleep apnea suffer from serious medical conditions if the problem is left untreated. This is why early intervention is key.
Systemic issues and health problems associated with sleep apnea include
- Changes in the brain (neurological problems)
- Impaired cognition and mood
- Cardiac arrest and shock
- High blood pressure
- Cardiac arrhythmia
What Are My Sleep Apnea Treatment Options?
There are a number of ways that can help decrease the incidence of interrupted breathing during sleep. The most effective treatment option for your sleep apnea will depend on your physiology and situation, but many patients’ symptoms can be improved through use of a special sleep apnea mouth guard. Dr. Rallis often prescribes a custom-designed oral appliance that can treat your sleep apnea more effectively than the one-size-fits-all oral appliances found over-the-counter. This personalized device is intended to open up the passageways from which oxygen can flow so that the over-relaxation of oral tissue does not disrupt breathing.
Dr. Rallis will work with you to develop a course of treatment that can effectively treat your sleep apnea according to your unique symptoms and concerns. His tailored approaches have been very successful in helping men and women achieve a restful night’s sleep with a more regulated breathing pattern.
Make sure you are getting the good night’s rest you deserve. Stop losing sleep from sleep apnea by scheduling your appointment with Dr. Rallis today.
Real reviews. Real patients.
Trusted by Patients Throughout Bayside & All Five Boroughs
Frequently Asked Questions
Every smile and every patient is different. The best place to start is with a comprehensive consultation at Center For Smiles. Our team will listen to your concerns, evaluate your oral health, discuss your goals, and explain the treatment options that may be appropriate for you. From there, we can develop a personalized plan based on your individual needs and priorities.
Your first visit is an opportunity for us to get to know you and understand what you would like to accomplish. Depending on your needs, your consultation may include a review of your dental and medical history, an examination, diagnostic imaging, and a discussion of your concerns and goals. We will then review appropriate options with you and answer your questions before moving forward with treatment.
Yes. Center For Smiles believes dental care should be tailored to the individual. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, we consider your oral health, comfort, goals, lifestyle, and long-term needs when recommending treatment. Your treatment plan may involve a single procedure or a combination of services designed around you.
Absolutely. We understand that many people experience some level of dental anxiety. Our team strives to create a comfortable, supportive environment and takes time to explain your care and answer questions. Depending on your individual needs and the procedure being performed, additional comfort or sedation options may also be available.
You can request a consultation by contacting Center For Smiles or using the Schedule Consultation button on our website. Our team will help you find a convenient appointment and answer any initial questions you may have.
Contact Today
Ready to Smile with Confidence?
Whether you’re looking for a trusted family dentist, considering dental implants, exploring cosmetic dentistry, or searching for relief from TMJ discomfort, we’d love the opportunity to welcome you to Center for Smiles.