77 Westport Plaza Dr.
Suite 205, St. Louis, MO 63146

Sleep Apnea Treatment in St. Louis, MO

Restful sleep is essential for your health and well-being, which is why Smiles by Choice offers sleep apnea treatment in St. Louis, MO, to help those struggling with getting quality sleep. Many St. Louis residents struggle nightly with sleep apnea, a serious condition that disrupts breathing and prevents quality rest. At Smiles by Choice, we’re dedicated to helping our community breathe easier and sleep better, which can transform your nights and energize your days.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that occurs when your breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, affecting countless residents across St. Louis and the surrounding areas. While the most common form, Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), happens when throat muscles relax and block your airway, other types include Central Sleep Apnea and Complex Sleep Apnea. 

Nighttime Symptoms

The signs of sleep apnea are most noticeable during sleep when various disruptions to normal breathing patterns occur, subsequently causing a chain reaction of sleep problems. Loud and chronic snoring is often the first indication, though it’s important to note that not everyone who snores has sleep apnea. More telling is when this snoring is punctuated by periods of silence and sudden gasps – these are moments when breathing actually stops and then restarts. 

When breathing resumes, the person might make choking or gasping sounds as their brain signals them to wake up and reopen their airway. People with sleep apnea also tend to be restless sleepers, with their constant tossing and turning reflecting the interruptions in their sleep cycles caused by these breathing disruptions.

Daytime Symptoms

While sleep apnea disrupts your nights, its effects continue well into your waking hours, impacting daily life in several ways. Many people experience excessive daytime sleepiness, known medically as hypersomnia because sleep apnea prevents them from getting truly restful sleep. This poor sleep quality often leads to difficulty concentrating throughout the day, with many people struggling with memory, attention, and general cognitive function. 

Morning headaches are another common complaint, typically caused by reduced oxygen levels and disrupted sleep patterns during the night. Chronic sleep deprivation can also affect mood, leading to increased irritability and emotional changes. Additionally, regularly waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat can signal nighttime mouth breathing – another telltale sign of sleep apnea that carries into the morning hours.

Daytime Symptoms

Health Risks Sleep Apnea Causes

Disrupted Sleep Cycle: OSA interferes with your sleep cycle, preventing you from achieving the deep, restorative sleep your body needs for cell repair, cognitive function, and replenishment.

Cardiovascular Complications: Sleep apnea leads to a decrease in blood oxygen levels, it strains your cardiovascular system, increasing your risk for high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke.

Mental Health Issues: The constant disruption of sleep has been linked to depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems.

Daytime Fatigue: Frequent awakenings and lack of quality sleep lead to excessive daytime sleepiness, affecting your work, social interactions, and overall quality of life.

Expert Treatment for Sleep Apnea

At Smiles by Choice, we combine advanced technology with personalized care to deliver exceptional sleep apnea treatment in St. Louis. Here’s how we help our patients achieve better sleep and improved health:

Board-Certified Sleep Specialists

Dr. First, who has diplomate status for sleep appliances, and Dr. Timm lead our practice. They, along with our team of skilled dental professionals, provide expert, compassionate care to treat sleep apnea.

Advanced Sleep Study Technology

We utilize state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment for precise sleep studies right in our office. Our modern sleep testing capabilities help us understand your specific sleep patterns and develop targeted treatment strategies.

Personalized Treatment Plans

Every patient’s sleep apnea is unique. We offer diverse treatment options, from oral appliance therapy an dental sleep medicine to CPAP treatment (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) alternatives, creating customized solutions that fit your lifestyle and specific needs.

Collaborative Care Approach

We work closely with sleep physicians, ENT specialists, and other healthcare providers across St. Louis to ensure comprehensive care. This team approach allows us to address all aspects of your sleep health and overall well-being.

Your Journey to Better Sleep Starts Here

Don’t let sleep apnea continue to affect your health and quality of life. At Smiles by Choice, we’re committed to helping St. Louis residents find effective, personalized solutions for sleep apnea through our comprehensive treatment approach and expert care team. 

Whether you’re just starting to notice symptoms or have been struggling with sleep apnea for years, scheduling a consultation for sleep apnea treatment in St. Louis, MO, with our experienced sleep specialists is the first step toward better sleep and improved well-being.