Patient Resources | Midwest Sleep Remedies Support

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

What Causes Obstructive Sleep Apnea, How to Spot It, & What Are Your Treatment Options?

Sleep apnea is a common but serious sleep disorder affecting around 30 million Americans, many without knowing it. It causes repeated pauses in breathing during sleep, often leading to poor sleep quality and health risks. These interruptions can occur hundreds of times a night, even if you don’t fully wake up.

However, sleep apnea can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and daytime fatigue if it is left untreated. There are three main types: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), caused by blocked airways; central sleep apnea (CSA), which involves disrupted signals from the brain; and complex sleep apnea, a combination of both. At Midwest Sleep Remedies, we offer non-invasive, customized treatment using oral appliance therapy, supporting better overall health and long-term wellness.

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Symptoms

How to Recognize the Warning Signs

Common symptoms of OSA include snoring, gasping or choking during sleep, frequent awakenings, and excessive daytime sleepiness. Many people also experience morning headaches, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and dry mouth upon waking.

Since symptoms often occur during sleep, they may go unnoticed without a sleep partner or proper diagnosis. In fact, studies reveal that over 80% of OSA cases often go unnoticed or undiagnosed.

Loud Snoring

Loud, chronic snoring is a hallmark symptom of sleep apnea. It occurs when airflow is partially blocked, often due to relaxed throat muscles, and may disturb both the sleeper and their sleep partner night after night.

Gasping or Choking During Sleep

People with sleep apnea may suddenly wake up gasping or choking for air. These episodes happen when breathing stops during sleep and are commonly reported by bed partners who witness the interruptions.

Excessive Daytime Sleepiness

Interrupted sleep from apnea can lead to persistent daytime fatigue. Individuals may feel drowsy at work, while driving, or during daily tasks despite getting what seems like a full night’s rest.

Morning Headaches

Frequent morning headaches may result from oxygen deprivation and poor-quality sleep. These headaches can feel dull or throbbing and are often one of the first signs patients report to their doctor.

Difficulty Concentrating

Poor sleep quality due to apnea can affect brain function. Many people experience memory lapses, reduced alertness, trouble focusing, and slower thinking, which can interfere with daily responsibilities.

Dry Mouth

Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat may indicate mouth breathing caused by blocked airways. This symptom is especially common in those whose airways collapse during the night, disrupting airflow.

Treatment

How We Treat OSA: Custom Oral Appliance Therapy

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common form of sleep apnea. It occurs when the airway becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep, often due to relaxed throat muscles or excess tissue. These interruptions in breathing can happen repeatedly throughout the night, affecting sleep quality and overall health.

At Midwest Sleep Remedies, we specialize in treating OSA with non-invasive, patient-friendly solutions. Our primary treatment is custom oral appliance therapy, an effective alternative to CPAP that works by gently repositioning the jaw to keep the airway open during sleep. This approach is ideal for patients with mild to moderate OSA or those who are CPAP-intolerant.

Our treatment process includes:
Comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis
Personalized treatment plans as per sleep study
Precision fitting for maximum comfort and effectiveness
Ongoing monitoring and follow-up care
Patient education to support long-term sleep health

Trusted & Effective Oral Appliances for Sleep Apnea

Discover comfortable and CPAP-free ways to sleep better and ultimately, live well!

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