Sleep is essential for good health, yet many people in Aurora may struggle to get the rest they need. We’re passionate about your dental health and overall well-being at Rankin and Mingle Dentistry, led by the skilled Dr. Michael Mingle and Dr. Jennifer Rankin. One common condition we frequently see and treat is sleep apnea in Aurora, a severe disorder that impacts both your sleep and quality of life.

If you suspect sleep apnea in Aurora might be affecting you or your loved ones, this guide will explain everything you need to know, including the condition, the significant signs to watch for, and how our office can help you regain restful nights.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea in Aurora is a condition that disrupts your breathing as you sleep. People with sleep apnea experience repeated pauses in their breathing, often without realizing it. These pauses can last a few seconds to over a minute, severely impacting oxygen levels and stressing your cardiovascular and nervous systems.

There are three main types of sleep apnea:

1. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): The most common form occurs when throat muscles relax and block airflow.
2. Central Sleep Apnea: Occurs when the brain doesn’t send the proper signals to muscles controlling breathing.
3. Complex (or Mixed) Sleep Apnea: A combination of OSA and Central Sleep Apnea.

Without treatment, sleep apnea can lead to chronic fatigue, headaches, cardiovascular problems, and even a higher risk of serious illnesses like diabetes and stroke. Fortunately, it’s a condition effectively managed with the proper care and support.

5 Major Signs of Sleep Apnea to Look Out For  

Sleep apnea often goes undiagnosed because individuals are unaware of their symptoms, particularly those that occur while asleep. However, several telltale signs indicate that you or a family member may be living with the condition.

Loud, Chronic Snoring

While occasional snoring is common and not necessarily a sign of sleep apnea, loud and persistent snoring (often so loud it disturbs others) can signify obstructive sleep apnea. The sound typically results from air passing through narrowed or partially blocked airways.

How We Can Help: At Rankin and Mingle Dentistry, we use oral appliances to keep airways open by repositioning your tongue and jaw, reducing snoring and obstruction. Additionally, , myofunctional therapy, and/or soft palate laser treatments can help to reduce snoring. 

Excessive Daytime Fatigue

Do you feel constantly tired, even after a whole night of sleep? Sleep apnea interrupts the natural sleep cycle, preventing you from reaching or sustaining the deep, restorative stages of sleep your body needs.

How We Can Help: We collaborate with sleep specialists to identify nighttime breathing issues. Treatments like custom-fitted oral appliances improve airflow and sleep quality, helping you wake up refreshed.

Gasping or Choking During Sleep

Many people with sleep apnea report waking up suddenly, gasping for air. These episodes often occur because the airway becomes blocked, causing you to stop breathing and jolt awake to regain airflow momentarily.

How We Can Help: By addressing these nighttime obstructions with customized dental devices, we can reduce alarming interruptions and ensure you sleep smoothly through the night.

Morning Headaches  

Waking up with headaches or migraines regularly is a key indicator of oxygen deprivation during sleep—one of the hallmarks of sleep apnea.

How We Can Help: We use dental treatments that enhance upper airway stability at night to diminish airway collapses that may be contributing to your headaches.

Difficulty Concentrating or Mood Changes

Sleep apnea’s disruption of regular sleep patterns often leads to irritability, difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, or even symptoms resembling depression. The strain from poor-quality sleep affects your physical and mental health.

How We Can Help: Our holistic approach to dental and airway health means we address physical symptoms and provide patients with insights and strategies to manage the broader impacts of sleep apnea.

How Rankin and Mingle Dentistry Can Help

At Rankin and Mingle Dentistry, we know managing sleep apnea can be overwhelming, but you’re not alone. Dental treatments are an effective and straightforward solution for many forms of the disorder, particularly obstructive sleep apnea.

Our experienced team will guide you through each step of identifying and treating sleep apnea:

1. Diagnosis Support: If unsure where to begin, we’ll assess your symptoms and refer you for proper diagnostic sleep studies.
2. Customized Oral Appliances: We create oral appliances explicitly tailored to your needs and designed to keep your airway open for uninterrupted sleep.
3. Ongoing Monitoring: Sleep apnea management is a long-term process, and our team is here to fine-tune your treatment to ensure continued improvement and comfort.  
4. Comprehensive Care: Your overall health matters to us, so we consider all contributing factors, from dental conditions to lifestyle habits, when building your treatment plan.

Whether you’re struggling to sleep well, have been told you snore loudly, or wake up with unexplainable fatigue, we’re ready to help. We aim to make your sleep apnea treatment as easy and effective as possible.

Sleep Apnea in Aurora

Sleep apnea doesn’t have to control your life—or your nights. With the correct diagnosis and support from Rankin and Mingle Dentistry, you can enjoy improved sleep, better health, and a revitalized sense of energy.
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea, don’t wait. Contact Rankin and Mingle Dentistry in Aurora today to schedule a consultation. Together, we can help you get the restorative rest you deserve.