Do I Have Sleep Apnea? Signs and Treatment

Many people come to us after years of being told they snore, or after a partner noticed them stop breathing at night. Others simply feel worn out no matter how long they sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea happens when the tissues in your throat relax during sleep and block your airway again and again. Each pause wakes your brain just enough to breathe again, so your sleep is broken all night.

Sleep apnea can be tested for at home and treated in more than one way, and your sleep journey at AZ Sleep runs from a first consultation to follow-up testing.

Common signs of sleep apnea

Some signs happen while you sleep, so a bed partner may notice them first. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute lists these symptoms of sleep apnea (opens in a new tab).

At night

Loud, frequent snoring.
Pauses in breathing that someone else sees.
Gasping or choking. Waking suddenly short of breath.
Waking up to urinate.
Restless sleep or night sweats.

During the day

Daytime sleepiness. Nodding off while reading, watching TV or driving.
Morning headaches that ease as the day goes on.
Dry mouth or a sore throat when you wake up.
Trouble concentrating, memory lapses, and mood changes such as irritability or feeling low.
High blood pressure, especially when it is hard to control.

One sign does not mean you have sleep apnea. Several are a good reason to get checked. Read more about sleep apnea and snoring.

Who is more at risk

Anyone can have sleep apnea, even people who are slim and active. Some things make it more likely, as the NHLBI explains in its page on causes and risk factors (opens in a new tab):

Extra weight, especially around the neck. A higher body mass index (BMI) raises the risk.
Being male, and getting older. Risk rises for women after menopause.
A smaller lower jaw, a large tongue, or large tonsils, which leave less room in the airway.
Nasal congestion, allergies or asthma.
High blood pressure or type 2 diabetes.
A family history of sleep apnea.
Alcohol, smoking, and sedating medications, which relax the throat muscles at night.

Dentists sometimes spot clues too. A pattern of wear on the teeth from grinding forward at night can be a sign of a struggling airway, which is one reason Dr. Lynch looks at your bite and jaw during an exam.

A quick self-check

Answer these for yourself, or ask the person who shares your room:

Do you snore loudly most nights?
Has anyone seen you stop breathing or gasp in your sleep?
Do you feel tired or sleepy during the day, even after a full night in bed?
Do you wake with headaches or a dry mouth?
Do you get up at night to urinate?
Do you have high blood pressure?

If you said yes to two or more, it is worth a conversation with us. You can check your number with our BMI calculator before your visit. A checklist cannot diagnose sleep apnea, but it helps us know where to start.

Why a diagnosis matters

Sleep apnea is more than a noise problem. When your breathing stops, the oxygen in your blood drops, night after night. According to the NHLBI, untreated sleep apnea increases the risk for stroke, heart attack, and other serious problems (opens in a new tab). It is also linked with high blood pressure, and the daytime sleepiness it causes can make driving and work less safe.

A diagnosis also shows how severe your sleep apnea is and what type you have, which decides the right treatment. Central sleep apnea, where the brain does not send the signal to breathe, is treated differently.

How testing works at AZ Sleep

Testing is one step of a four-step journey, and it happens twice: before treatment and after.

A consultation and screening. Your first visit is an extensive consultation with Dr. Lynch. We listen, review your sleep questionnaire and health history, and look at your airway, bite and jaw. See step 1 of your sleep journey.
A home sleep test. If screening suggests sleep apnea, our nurse practitioner can order a home sleep test at a telehealth visit. The test is the SleepImage ring, which you wear on your finger overnight in your own bed. Pick the ring up the same day as your telehealth visit, or we ship it to your home within three to five business days. If central sleep apnea is suspected, we refer you for an overnight lab study instead. See step 2, sleep testing.
Your results, explained. Your report shows how often your breathing pauses or becomes shallow each hour, and whether your sleep apnea is mild, moderate or severe. We go over it with you in plain language.

Treatment options, as part of one program

AZ Sleep is a comprehensive sleep program. An appliance can be one part of your plan, but we look at everything that affects your sleep. The NHLBI describes the main treatment options (opens in a new tab), and these are the ones we discuss with patients:

CPAP

A CPAP machine blows air through a mask to keep your airway open. It works well when it is used every night. Many people find the mask, noise or pressure hard to live with. If that's you, you have options. Read about CPAP intolerance.

Oral appliance therapy, a CPAP alternative

A custom oral appliance looks like a sports mouthguard and holds your lower jaw slightly forward while you sleep so your airway stays open. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine describes oral appliance therapy (opens in a new tab) as a treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, and it is a recommended option for mild to moderate sleep apnea and for severe sleep apnea when CPAP is not tolerated. Ours are custom made by a dental lab and fitted over two visits. See oral appliance therapy.

Lifestyle and sleep habits

Weight, alcohol, smoking, sedating medications and sleep position all change how your airway behaves at night. We focus on the ones that apply to you. See weight, nutrition and activity and sleep position.

Working with your doctors

Dr. Lynch works with physicians, ENTs and cardiologists, and refers you when something like nasal blockage or large tonsils needs a specialist. See coordination with your physicians.

Testing again to confirm it works

Feeling better is a good sign, but we measure it: a follow-up sleep test checks that your breathing has improved. See step 4, follow-up and ongoing care.

Medicare and medical insurance

Sleep apnea is a medical condition, so testing and treatment go through your medical insurance, not your dental plan. We accept major medical insurance and Medicare, and we check your benefits before your first visit. Learn more about insurance and Medicare at AZ Sleep.

Common questions

Can I have sleep apnea if I don't snore?

Yes. Loud snoring is common with obstructive sleep apnea, but not everyone who has it snores, and not everyone who snores has it. Daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, dry mouth and waking at night to urinate are also worth mentioning. A sleep test is the only way to know.

Do I need an overnight stay in a sleep lab?

Usually not. For most adults with suspected obstructive sleep apnea, our nurse practitioner can order a home sleep test at a telehealth visit. You wear the SleepImage ring, a small ring on your finger, overnight in your own bed. If central sleep apnea is suspected, we refer you for a lab study instead.

Is an oral appliance a real alternative to CPAP?

For many people, yes. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recognizes oral appliance therapy as a treatment for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, and for severe sleep apnea when CPAP is not tolerated. A follow-up sleep test confirms whether it is working for you.

Does Medicare or medical insurance cover sleep apnea treatment?

AZ Sleep accepts Medicare and major medical insurance. Oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea is medical treatment, so we work with your medical insurance rather than your dental plan. Coverage depends on your plan and your diagnosis, and we check your benefits before your first visit.

More answers are in our sleep apnea FAQ and in the questions patients ask Dr. Lynch.

Start your sleep journey

If this sounds familiar, the next step is a consultation. We see patients in Scottsdale, Glendale and Sun City. Request a consultation or call (623) 387-9878.

This article is general information and is not medical advice. Talk with your own doctor about your symptoms. If you think you have a medical emergency, call 911.

Do I have sleep apnea? Signs and treatment