Sleep apnea is a serious disorder where your breathing repeatedly stops and starts while you sleep. These interruptions can last anywhere from 10 seconds to over a minute, and in severe cases, they can occur 30 times or more per hour. This constant disruption prevents your body from getting the oxygen it needs, which can result in a variety of health issues.

People with mild sleep apnea experience interruptions 5-15 times per hour, while moderate cases involve 15-30 interruptions per hour. In severe cases, breathing stops over 30 times an hour. Imagine stopping breathing for 30 seconds, 30 times an hour—this could lead to two hours of no oxygen during an eight-hour sleep cycle. The brain reacts by briefly waking you up to resume breathing, which disrupts your rest.

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, don’t wait to seek treatment. The longer this goes untreated, the more it can impact your health and quality of life. Our sleep apnea dentists in Miami Beach can provide you with the care you need to address this serious condition.

9 Unusual Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

While loud snoring, daytime sleepiness, and morning headaches are common signs of sleep apnea, there are several unusual symptoms you may not immediately associate with the condition. If you’re experiencing any of the following, it’s important to seek professional help.

  1. Bad Dreams or No Dreams Associated with Sleep Apnea: Many sufferers experience vivid nightmares or even a complete lack of dreams due to disturbed REM sleep cycles.
  2. Difficulty Focusing: Is Sleep Apnea to Blame? The lack of restorative sleep can result in brain fog, making it hard to concentrate or focus throughout the day.
  3. Frequent Bathroom Trips at Night: Individuals with sleep apnea often wake up multiple times to urinate, a phenomenon called nocturia, which can be linked to the stress of disrupted sleep.
  4. Sleepwalking, Sleep Talking, or Sleep Eating: Disrupted sleep patterns in sleep apnea can lead to parasomnia, which includes behaviors like sleepwalking, sleep talking, or even eating during sleep.
  5. Sleep Paralysis: A Sleep Apnea Symptom?: The frequent waking associated with sleep apnea can trigger sleep paralysis, where individuals feel unable to move or speak when transitioning between sleep stages.
  6. Dry Mouth and Drooling: Breathing through the mouth during sleep can lead to dry mouth or excessive drooling, a side effect that many sleep apnea patients experience.
  7. Increased Risk of Night Sweats: Sleep apnea may cause excessive sweating during the night due to fluctuations in oxygen levels and body temperature.
  8. Snoring-Related Throat Pain: Persistent loud snoring can lead to sore throats or a dry, scratchy throat in the morning, a common issue for sleep apnea patients.
  9. Sudden Mood Swings or Irritability: The fatigue caused by frequent awakenings throughout the night can lead to sudden mood shifts, irritability, and heightened stress levels during the day.

Treatment: Oral Appliance Therapy

For many people diagnosed with sleep apnea, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is the go-to treatment. However, CPAP is not for everyone. The discomfort of wearing a mask or the feeling of restricted airflow can make it difficult for some patients to continue using the device long-term. If you’re one of these individuals, Oral Appliance Therapy could be the solution you’ve been looking for.

Oral appliance therapy is a highly effective, non-invasive treatment for sleep apnea that’s often prescribed for people who suffer from mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or those who simply cannot tolerate CPAP. It’s a comfortable, convenient alternative that involves wearing a custom-made mouthpiece during sleep, designed by your dentist to keep your airway open by repositioning your jaw and tongue.

How Does Oral Appliance Therapy Work?

An oral appliance, also known as a mandibular advancement device (MAD), works by gently moving the lower jaw (mandible) forward, which in turn helps to pull the tongue and soft tissues away from the back of the throat. This action prevents the airway from becoming blocked or collapsing during sleep, which is the cause of snoring and sleep apnea episodes.

Unlike CPAP, which requires the use of a bulky mask and constant airflow, oral appliance therapy offers a more discreet and comfortable option. The device is small, portable, and custom-fitted to your mouth, ensuring that it does not interfere with your comfort or ability to sleep.

Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy for Sleep Apnea

  • Comfortable and Convenient: Oral appliances are designed to fit comfortably in your mouth, eliminating the need for a cumbersome mask or tubing. Most patients report a high level of comfort and ease with this therapy, allowing for a more natural sleep experience.
  • Improved Sleep Quality: By keeping the airway open, oral appliances help reduce or eliminate the frequent breathing interruptions, leading to deeper and more restorative sleep. Many patients report feeling more rested and alert during the day after starting treatment.
  • Portability and Ease of Use: Oral appliances are small and easy to transport, making them ideal for travel. They don’t require power sources, so you can take them with you anywhere, whether you’re going on a trip or staying at a hotel.
  • No Noise or Mask Discomfort: Unlike CPAP, which can create noise or cause discomfort from the mask or straps, oral appliances are virtually silent and eliminate any discomfort associated with wearing a mask.
  • Ideal for Mild to Moderate Sleep Apnea: Oral appliance therapy is particularly effective for individuals with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. For those with more severe cases, oral appliances can also be used in conjunction with CPAP for a more customized solution.

How to Get Started with Oral Appliance Therapy

The process of obtaining an oral appliance for sleep apnea begins with a consultation with your dentist, who is trained in dental sleep medicine. During this visit, your dentist will evaluate your condition and discuss whether oral appliance therapy is the best treatment for you.

Once it’s determined that oral appliance therapy is appropriate, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth to create a custom-fitted device. This ensures that the appliance will comfortably fit your mouth and work effectively to keep your airway open while you sleep.

After the appliance is made, your dentist will guide you on how to wear and care for it. Follow-up visits may be necessary to monitor the effectiveness of the device and make adjustments if needed. Regular check-ups will help ensure that the appliance continues to provide optimal results.

Is Oral Appliance Therapy Right for You?

If you’re struggling with CPAP or simply want a more comfortable, convenient option to treat your sleep apnea, oral appliance therapy could be the answer. Many patients find that this treatment significantly improves their sleep quality, without the discomfort or hassle of a CPAP machine. Additionally, oral appliances are a non-invasive treatment option that is easy to maintain and can be a long-term solution for managing sleep apnea.

If you think oral appliance therapy might be right for you, don’t hesitate to contact us for a consultation. Our sleep dentists specialize in this effective and comfortable solution, and we’ll work with you to determine the best treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Find Sleep Apnea Treatment in Miami Beach

If you’re tired of the discomfort associated with CPAP and want to explore oral appliance therapy as a treatment option for your sleep apnea, contact us today. Call (305) 535-2225 or schedule an appointment online to find out how this simple, effective treatment can help you achieve better sleep.