Snoring/Sleep Apnea

Snoring and Sleep Apnea: Understanding the Signs, Symptoms, and Treatments

Are you or a loved one struggling with snoring or experiencing interruptions in your sleep? These seemingly common issues may actually be symptoms of a more serious condition known as sleep apnea. At Associates For Dental Sleep Medicine in Elmhurst, IL, we specialize in diagnosing and treating snoring and sleep apnea, helping our patients achieve restful sleep and improved quality of life.

Understanding Snoring:

Snoring is a common phenomenon that occurs when airflow through the throat is partially obstructed during sleep. It is often the result of relaxed throat muscles and tissues vibrating as air passes through, creating the characteristic sound of snoring. While occasional snoring may be harmless, chronic snoring can be a sign of an underlying sleep disorder such as sleep apnea.

Recognizing Sleep Apnea:

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder characterized by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. These pauses, known as apneas, can last for seconds to minutes and may occur multiple times throughout the night. Common signs and symptoms of sleep apnea include: 

  • Loud and chronic snoring
  • Episodes of breathing cessation during sleep, often witnessed by a bed partner
  • Gasping or choking sensations during sleep
  • Excessive daytime sleepiness or fatigue
  • Morning headaches
  • Difficulty concentrating or irritability
  • Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat
  • Frequent nighttime urination
  • Decreased libido or erectile dysfunction

Treatment Options:

At ADSM, we offer a variety of treatment options to address snoring and sleep apnea, tailored to meet the unique needs of each patient. These treatments may include:

Oral Appliance Therapy: Custom-fit oral appliances are designed to reposition the jaw and keep the airway open during sleep, effectively reducing snoring and alleviating symptoms of mild to moderate sleep apnea.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Therapy: CPAP therapy involves wearing a mask connected to a machine that delivers a continuous flow of air to keep the airway open during sleep. It is highly effective in treating moderate to severe sleep apnea.

Hybrid Therapy: Combining various treatment modalities, such as oral appliance therapy and CPAP, hybrid therapy offers a comprehensive approach to managing sleep apnea, particularly for patients who may not tolerate CPAP alone.

Surgical Options: For patients with severe sleep apnea or specific anatomical issues, surgical procedures may be recommended to correct underlying problems and improve breathing during sleep.

Inspire Therapy: As certified providers of Inspire therapy, we offer an innovative treatment option for sleep apnea that works inside the body with the natural breathing process, providing long-term relief for eligible patients.

Take Control of Your Sleep:

Don't let snoring or sleep apnea disrupt your life and jeopardize your health. If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of snoring or sleep apnea, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with our experienced team at ADSM.

Together, we can develop a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve restful sleep and improve your overall well-being. Call us today at (847) 84-SLEEP.

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