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Sleep Apnea

Don’t Let Sleep Apnea Disrupt Your Life

If you frequently snore loudly or feel excessively tired during the day, you may have sleep apnea—a potentially serious sleep disorder that impacts both your restorative sleep and overall health.

The most common form is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), which occurs when soft tissues in the throat collapse during sleep, blocking the airway and causing breathing to stop momentarily. These episodes, known as apneas, can last 10 seconds to over a minute and occur hundreds of times per night.

What Happens During an Apnea?

When breathing pauses:

  • Oxygen levels in the blood drop significantly (up to 40% in severe cases)
  • The brain detects the drop and briefly wakes the body to resume breathing
  • This cycle leads to fragmented, poor-quality sleep and ongoing fatigue

Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

  • Loud, chronic snoring
  • Gasping or choking during sleep
  • Morning headaches
  • Excessive daytime sleepiness
  • Poor concentration or memory
  • Irritability or mood swings
  • Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking

Risk Factors for Sleep Apnea

  • Overweight or obesity (BMI of 25+)
  • Large neck circumference (17″+ for men, 16″+ for women)
  • Age (middle-aged and older adults)
  • Ethnic background
  • Structural abnormalities in the head or neck
  • Family history of sleep apnea
  • Endocrine disorders (e.g., hypothyroidism, acromegaly)
  • Smoking
  • Chronic nasal congestion or allergic rhinitis
  • Enlarged tonsils or adenoids in children

Health Risks of Untreated Sleep Apnea

  • Chronically elevated blood pressure
  • Increased risk of heart disease and stroke
  • Irregular heartbeat and elevated heart rate
  • Poor glucose regulation and insulin resistance
  • Daytime fatigue and risk of motor vehicle accidents
  • Mood disorders and reduced cognitive function
  • Sleep disruption for bed partners
Sleep Apnea Treatment Options

Sleep Apnea Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the severity of the condition and your overall health. Options include:
  • Delivers a constant flow of air to keep the airway open
  • Most effective for moderate to severe cases
  • Custom mouthpiece that repositions the jaw to maintain an open airway
  • Ideal for mild to moderate cases
  • Recommended when CPAP or oral devices are ineffective
  • May involve tonsil removal, nasal surgery, or soft palate repositioning
  • Often improves symptoms and may resolve mild sleep apnea
  • Sleep on your side instead of your back
  • Elevate the head of the bed
  • Avoid alcohol or sedatives before bed
  • Nasal dilators or sprays (limited effectiveness)

Take Back Your Sleep and Health

Sleep apnea doesn’t just affect your rest—it impacts your entire well-being. If you suspect sleep apnea, don’t wait to seek help. Call Dr. Todd Schneiderman’s office at (908) 725-5050 to schedule your consultation and explore effective treatment options.

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