ADA Accessibility Information
Accessibility

A
A

A
Home Dental Services Family Dentistry Sleep Apnea

Sleep Apnea


Man sleeping on his desk, completely exhausted, with papers and office tools scattered around, hinting at sleep apnea. Sleep apnea can significantly impact a patient's health and overall well-being. It is a chronic sleep disorder that presents with a wide range of symptoms. In many cases, patients are unaware they even have sleep apnea. Others may wake up in the night gasping for breath or feeling as though they are being smothered. Fortunately, a variety of effective treatments are available to manage this condition.

Sleep apnea is a serious disorder that requires prompt attention. Please contact Newington Family Dentistry to to schedule an evaluation to determine if you may be suffering from sleep apnea.

Different Types of Sleep Apnea


Sleep apnea is more common than many people realize. This disorder causes repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. These interruptions may result from physical abnormalities or from the brain failing to properly signal the muscles involved in breathing. Because sleep apnea interrupts the normal breathing cycle, patients often never achieve a full night's rest. This leads to daytime drowsiness and increases the risk for several serious health issues.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)


The most common form of apnea is obstructive sleep apnea, which occurs when a physical blockage restricts airflow during sleep.

Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)


Another type of sleep apnea is central sleep apnea, which happens when the brain doesn't send the correct signals to the breathing muscles.

Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome (CSAS)


In some cases, patients experience both types of apnea simultaneously. This condition is referred to as complex sleep apnea syndrome.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea


Sleep apnea can present a variety of symptoms, including:
•  Loud, chronic snoring
•  Frequent awakenings during the night
•  Waking with a dry mouth or sore throat
•  Morning headaches
•  Difficulty falling or staying asleep
•  Excessive daytime sleepiness or fatigue
•  Irritability or difficulty concentrating

Not every patient will experience all of these symptoms, but if you recognize several of them, it may be time to seek a professional evaluation.

What are the Risk Factors for Developing Sleep Apnea?


Sleep apnea can affect people of all ages, even children. Some individuals may not show obvious symptoms but can still suffer from the disorder. Several factors can increase the risk of developing sleep apnea:
•  Smoking tobacco products
•  Family history of sleep apnea
•  Large neck circumference
•  Frequent alcohol consumption
•  Chronic nasal congestion
•  History of heart disease or stroke

Recognizing these risk factors is an important step toward early diagnosis and treatment.

What Are the Treatments for Sleep Apnea?


If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to serious complications, including cardiovascular issues and stroke. Treatment depends on the specific type and severity of the condition. The main goal is to restore normal breathing patterns and improve the quality of sleep. Effective treatment can relieve fatigue and significantly reduce the risk of associated health conditions.

Do You Have Sleep Apnea?


If you think you may have sleep apnea, we encourage you to schedule a consultation at Newington Family Dentistry. You can reach us by calling (860) 666-7910. We're here to help you sleep better and live healthier.

Copyright © 2025-2026 Newington Family Dentistry and WEO Media - Dental Marketing (Touchpoint Communications LLC). All rights reserved.  Sitemap
Newington Family Dentistry, 365 Willard Ave, Newington, CT 06111 + (860) 666-7910 + newingtonfamilydentistry.com + 2/3/2026 + Key Phrases: dentist Newington CT +