Sleep apnea is a common disorder in which you have one or more pauses in breathing or shallow breaths while you sleep. Breathing pauses can vary in time, from a few seconds to a few minutes. Sleep apnea is usually a chronic condition that disrupts your sleep and can prevent you from staying in deep sleep, resulting in poor sleep and fatigue throughout the day.

Since it happens while you sleep, most people are unaware that they suffer from sleep apnea, making it a condition that is often undiagnosed. A family member or sleep partner may be the first to notice the signs of sleep apnea.

The most common type of sleep apnea is referred to as Obstructive Sleep Apnea. This condition is defined by airway collapse or blockage due to the shifting of the lower jaw. Any air that squeezed past the blockage and can cause loud snoring.

Untreated sleep apnea can result in increased risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, obesity, diabetes or heart failure.

We have the capability to screen patient for sleep apnea and refer them out for in-home testing. Those cases who are diagnosed as severe are referred to a sleep specialist. For many patients, however, they fall in the mild to moderate range and can be successfully treated with a custom oral sleep appliance.