Discover Restful Nights and Energized Days: Sleep Apnea Treatment at Our Practice
Do you often feel excessively drowsy or tired during the day, even when there’s no apparent reason? Or maybe you snore loudly at night and wake up choking, gasping for air, or feeling like you can’t breathe?
If any of this sounds familiar, you might be dealing with sleep apnea—a widespread but frequently overlooked sleep disorder. It’s estimated that around 30 million Americans are affected, yet nearly 80% of cases go undiagnosed. That means millions of people are living with sleep apnea without realizing the serious impact it can have on their health.
At our practice, Dr. Kelsey Geiger is specially trained in dental sleep medicine through the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM) and the Spencer Study Club. We offer comfortable, effective solutions—such as custom oral appliances—to help you breathe easier and sleep better.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a serious condition in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep—sometimes 20–30 times per hour. Each pause lowers oxygen levels and briefly wakes your brain to restart breathing. These interruptions are often so short that you don’t remember them, leaving you thinking you slept well. In reality, they prevent deep, restorative sleep, leading to fatigue and brain fog during the day.
What Are the Signs?
If these symptoms sound familiar, reach out to us for a consultation:
- Loud snoring at night
- Waking up short of breath or gasping/choking
- Snorting or choking sounds during sleep
- Morning headaches
- Insomnia or difficulty staying asleep
- Unintended daytime dozing (e.g., watching TV or driving)
- Extreme daytime fatigue or drowsiness
Are There Different Types of Sleep Apnea?
Yes—there are three main types:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) — The most common type, caused by relaxed throat muscles or soft tissue blocking the airway.
- Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) — Less common; occurs when the brain fails to send proper signals to breathing muscles.
- Complex (Mixed) Sleep Apnea — A combination of obstructive and central sleep apnea.
What Are the Risk Factors?
- Being male (though women are affected as well)
- Age 40 and older
- Obesity
- Smoking or alcohol use
- Family history of sleep apnea
- Use of sedatives or tranquilizers
Risk factors for central sleep apnea often include heart conditions, neuromuscular disorders, stroke, or other neurological issues.
Is Sleep Apnea Dangerous?
Yes—untreated sleep apnea is a serious health concern. It places ongoing strain on your heart and increases the risk of:
- High blood pressure
- Heart attack, heart failure, or stroke
- Workplace, school, or driving-related accidents due to fatigue
Sleep apnea can also complicate surgery, anesthesia, and medication use. The good news is that effective treatment can dramatically improve both your health and quality of life.
The most important first step is working with your medical provider—such as your primary care physician or a sleep specialist— to obtain an accurate diagnosis, often through a sleep study. Proper evaluation ensures safe and effective treatment.
If you’re diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea and cannot tolerate CPAP therapy, we can explore customized alternatives designed for comfort and long-term success.
Treatment Options
- Lifestyle changes — Weight management, quitting smoking, avoiding alcohol before bedtime, and sleeping on your side can significantly reduce symptoms.
- Oral appliance therapy — A custom-fitted device worn during sleep that gently repositions the lower jaw to keep the airway open. Many patients find this option more comfortable and easier to use than CPAP.
- CPAP therapy — Uses continuous positive airway pressure to keep airways open and is often effective for moderate to severe cases.
- Surgery — Reserved for severe cases or when other treatments are unsuccessful.
If CPAP isn’t right for you due to discomfort, noise, or mask issues, oral appliance therapy is often an excellent alternative. Dr. Geiger works closely with your physician or sleep specialist to coordinate care and monitor your progress.
Don’t wait—reach out today to discuss your symptoms and get the professional guidance you deserve.
Don’t let poor sleep hold you back. Contact us today to schedule a consultation—better nights and brighter days could be just one step away.