Sleep Apnea

If you struggle with loud snoring or wake up feeling tired, even after getting a full night’s sleep, sleep apnea might be to blame. At Melillo Dental, in Yonkers, New York, James Melillo, DDS, Dasny Castillo-Beltran, DDS, and the team offer custom-fit oral devices. These devices help you sleep better, snore less, and experience a better quality of life. Call the office to schedule an appointment or book one online today.

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a type of sleep disorder that occurs when your breathing starts and repeatedly stops throughout the night. If you have sleep apnea, you may feel tired in the morning, even after getting a full night’s rest. 

Obstructive sleep apnea is a common type of sleep disorder in which your throat muscles relax, constrict your airway, and often affect your breathing.

What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?

Common signs and symptoms associated with sleep apnea include:

• Loud snoring
• Gasping for air during sleep
• Episodes of stopped breathing 
• Waking up with a dry mouth
• Morning headaches
• Problems staying asleep
• Irritability
• Daytime sleepiness
• Difficulty paying attention 

Your partner can often let you know if you snore or wake up gasping for air during the night while you sleep.

What are the risk factors for sleep apnea?

Anyone can develop sleep apnea, but some factors boost your risk of experiencing it. Examples include:

• A thick neck
• Obesity
• A narrow airway
• Male gender
• Older age
• Family history of sleep apnea
• Smoking
• Sedatives
• Alcohol use
• Chronic diseases
• Nasal congestion

Men are 2-3 times more likely to experience sleep apnea than women.

How does my provider diagnose sleep apnea?

If your doctor has diagnosed you with sleep apnea and you’d like relief, Melillo Dental specialists review your dental and medical history. They might take dental X-rays and evaluate your teeth, gums, jaw, airway, and breathing. 

What are my sleep apnea treatment options?

The Melillo Dental team offers night guards and other oral devices to treat sleep apnea and reduce unpleasant symptoms. You wear these custom-fitted devices in your mouth while you sleep to reposition your jaw, keep your airway open, reduce snoring, and help you get a better night’s sleep.

Lifestyle changes that can reduce sleep apnea symptoms include weight loss, regular exercise, not drinking alcohol or taking sleeping pills before bed, sleeping on your side, and not smoking.

If your partner says you snore, you constantly wake up feeling tired, or you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea, schedule an appointment with Melillo Dental or book an appointment online today.