Sleep-Apnea

When Breathing Stops at Night: What Patients Should Know About Sleep Apnea

The condition many don’t realize they have

Sleep apnea rarely announces itself. It doesn’t cause sharp pain or sudden changes in appearance. More often, it hides behind everyday fatigue, irritability, or the kind of snoring partners joke about until it becomes impossible to ignore. Yet for those living with it—many unknowingly—the consequences extend far beyond tired mornings.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a disorder that interferes with breathing during sleep. In some cases, breathing stops for only a few seconds; in others, episodes may last nearly a minute. These pauses can happen dozens or even hundreds of times each night, breaking up sleep in ways that patients are often unaware of.

The problem isn’t rare. Research estimates that roughly one in ten adults experience some form of sleep apnea, though many never receive a formal diagnosis.

What causes the airway to close

The most common type, obstructive sleep apnea, develops when the soft tissues of the throat relax too much during sleep, collapsing inward and narrowing the airway. Causes may include:

  • Anatomical structure (lower jaw position, enlarged tonsils, excess tissue)
  • Weight gain
  • Age-related muscle changes

Other forms include:

  • Central sleep apnea – brain-to-muscle communication issues
  • Mixed apnea – a combination of obstructive and central

Moving past tired: What treatment can look like

Treatment aims to keep the airway open during sleep:

  • CPAP therapy – delivers air pressure via a mask (most effective, but sometimes hard to tolerate)
  • Oral appliances – custom-made devices that reposition the jaw to keep the airway open

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine endorses oral appliances for patients who cannot tolerate CPAP.

The difference that personalization makes

A well-designed oral appliance is:

  • Custom-fitted using impressions or scans
  • Adjusted gradually for comfort and effectiveness
  • Monitored regularly to prevent issues like TMJ strain or bite changes

Why so many patients prefer oral appliances

  • No tubing, mask, or machine required
  • Compact and travel-friendly
  • Does not dry out sinuses or affect sleeping posture
  • Improves oxygen levels, reduces fatigue, and supports cardiovascular health

Who’s a good fit—and who needs something different

Oral appliances are best for patients with mild to moderate apnea. They may not be suitable for:

  • Severe apnea cases (CPAP may be required)
  • Patients with dental disease, missing molars, or severe jaw issues

Some patients may benefit from a combination of CPAP and oral appliances.

Keeping results strong for the long haul

  • Clean devices regularly
  • Attend annual check-ups
  • Replace appliances every few years
  • Adjust treatment if weight or dental structure changes

Final thoughts

Sleep apnea may be quiet, but its impact is not. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to go untreated. An oral appliance may seem like a small solution, but for the right individual, it can mark the beginning of deeper sleep, sharper thinking, and a better life.

To learn more or schedule a consultation, call (208) 518-0770. Restful sleep starts with the right care.