In the United States, untreated sleep apnea is a major health concern. It’s estimated that 22 million Americans experience sleep apnea, and up to 80% of these cases remain undiagnosed. Without proper diagnosis and treatment, the condition can contribute to serious health problems such as diabetes, obesity, heart attack, and stroke. Identifying and treating sleep apnea early can help prevent these complications and improve overall well-being.
At SoBe Dentist, we’re committed to providing comprehensive dental care in Miami Beach that supports not only your smile but your total health. Our goal is to help more people recognize the symptoms of sleep apnea and get the treatment they need for better sleep and a healthier life. Discover the seven signs of sleep apnea you shouldn’t ignore.
7 Signs of Sleep Apnea You Shouldn’t Ignore
Sleep apnea can affect more than just your sleep. Many people don’t realize the signs until they start feeling tired, foggy, or restless night after night. Paying attention to these common symptoms can help you catch the condition early and get the restful sleep you deserve.
- Loud Snoring – Loud, frequent snoring is one of the most common warning signs of sleep apnea. It occurs when relaxed throat tissues partially block the airway, causing vibrations that disrupt sleep and reduce oxygen intake.
- Choking, Gasping, or Coughing During Sleep – When your airway becomes blocked during sleep, your brain signals your body to wake up briefly to breathe again, often resulting in choking, gasping, or coughing episodes you might not remember.
- Morning Headaches – Waking up with frequent headaches may be due to reduced oxygen and increased carbon dioxide levels from repeated airway blockages throughout the night, which cause blood vessel dilation and pressure in the brain.
- Daytime Sleepiness – Interrupted sleep cycles prevent you from reaching deep, restorative rest, leading to constant fatigue, daytime drowsiness, and difficulty staying alert during routine activities.
- Dry Mouth in the Morning – Mouth breathing caused by a blocked airway or nasal obstruction can lead to a persistently dry mouth or sore throat upon waking, another sign of sleep-disordered breathing.
- Difficulty Falling Asleep – Because your brain associates sleep with interrupted breathing, you may struggle with insomnia or anxiety around falling asleep, making it even harder to get adequate rest.
- Difficulty Concentrating – Ongoing sleep deprivation affects mental clarity, focus, and memory. Without quality sleep, your brain doesn’t have the time it needs to repair and recharge, leading to daytime cognitive fog.
How Our Miami Beach Dentists Treat Sleep Apnea
At SoBe Dentist, we understand that living with sleep apnea can be exhausting. Many patients visit us because they struggle with CPAP or are finally ready to find relief from snoring and disrupted sleep. Our goal is to make effective treatment as comfortable and convenient as possible.
As part of our commitment to comprehensive dental care in Miami Beach, we offer oral appliance therapy, a modern and non-invasive treatment that helps you breathe and sleep better without bulky equipment.
Oral appliance therapy uses a small, custom-made device that fits over your teeth, similar to a night guard. It gently repositions your lower jaw forward to keep your airway open during sleep. This simple adjustment reduces snoring and helps prevent airway collapse, allowing for deeper, uninterrupted rest.
Your dentist will take precise digital impressions and evaluate your airway to design an appliance that fits comfortably and works effectively. With consistent use, oral appliance therapy can provide lasting relief and noticeably improve your sleep quality and overall well-being without the noise, hoses, or discomfort of CPAP.
Breathe Easier and Sleep Better in Miami Beach
Sleep apnea can take a toll on your energy, focus, and overall health, but effective treatment can make all the difference. At SoBe Dentist, we make it simple to get the help you need with solutions that fit your lifestyle and help you sleep soundly again.
If you’ve noticed any of these signs or struggle with CPAP, we invite you to learn more about oral appliance therapy and how it can improve your sleep and well-being. Call (305) 535-2225 to contact our dentists in Miami Beach to schedule your consultation today.
