Understanding the Risks & Finding Solutions
Why Do We Snore? What Does It Mean for Your Health?
Snoring is more than just a nuisance—it can be a sign of a serious sleep disorder. While occasional snoring might be harmless, chronic loud snoring can indicate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition where your airway repeatedly collapses or becomes blocked during sleep.
This interruption in breathing reduces oxygen levels, forcing your body to work harder to restore airflow—often resulting in poor sleep quality, daytime fatigue, and serious long-term health risks.
💡 Fact: 80% of moderate-to-severe sleep apnea cases remain undiagnosed.
What is sleep apnea
Struggling with Snoring, Fatigue, or Poor Sleep? It Might Be Sleep Apnea.
Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing stops repeatedly during sleep due to airway obstruction. The most common type is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), where the tongue and soft tissues block the airway, causing snoring, choking, and gasping for air.
Common Sleep Apnea Symptoms
✅ Loud Snoring – Often the first warning sign
✅ Choking or Gasping for Air – You may stop breathing in your sleep
✅ Morning Headaches – Caused by low oxygen levels overnight
✅ Dry Mouth or Sore Throat – A sign of disrupted breathing
✅ Daytime Fatigue – Poor sleep leads to exhaustion
✅ Difficulty Concentrating – Brain fog & memory issues
✅ Mood Changes – Linked to anxiety & depression
Snoring, Waking Up Exhausted, or Struggling to Focus?
Not Sure If It’s Just Snoring or Sleep Apnea?
Snoring:
✔ Loud noise when breathing during sleep
✔ Can be worsened by sleeping position (back)
✔ No choking or gasping for air
✔ Usually not linked to serious health risks
Sleep Apnea:
🚨 More than just snoring! Watch for these warning signs:
❌ Pauses in breathing while asleep
❌ Gasping or choking for air during the night
❌ Excessive daytime sleepiness, brain fog
❌ Linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke
💡 If your snoring is loud, persistent, and includes choking or gasping, it could be sleep apnea!
The Hidden Dangers of Untreated Sleep Apnea
Ignoring sleep apnea doesn’t just make you tired—it puts your overall health at risk. Research shows that untreated sleep apnea can contribute to:
- Heart Disease & High Blood Pressure – Low oxygen levels strain the heart, increasing risks of heart attacks and stroke.
- Weight Gain & Metabolic Issues – Sleep deprivation affects hormones that regulate appetite, leading to increased cravings and weight gain.
- Memory & Cognitive Decline – Poor sleep quality is linked to dementia and early signs of Alzheimer’s disease.
- Diabetes & Insulin Resistance – Lack of sleep disrupts blood sugar regulation.
- Increased Risk of Car Accidents – Excessive daytime drowsiness makes driving unsafe.
CPAP Isn’t Your Only Option – Discover Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT)
Many patients are prescribed CPAP machines for sleep apnea, but nearly 50% of CPAP users stop using them due to:
❌ Mask discomfort
❌ Noise disrupting sleep
❌ Tubing inconvenience
❌ Travel difficulties
💡 Many people struggle with CPAP masks. They’re bulky, loud, and uncomfortable—making it difficult to sleep. That’s why we offer a more comfortable, effective alternative: Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT).
That’s why we offer a comfortable, effective CPAP alternative—Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT).
✔ Custom-fit, FDA-approved oral devices
✔ No masks, tubes, or noisy machines
✔ Travel-friendly & easy to use
You’re in the right place!
Sleep Advantage is now Regenerative Sleep & TMJ!
Same great care, same team, just a new name that reflects everything we do.
📍 Redmond patients — no changes here! You've always been part of the Regenerative family.