Snoring and Sleep Apnea in Burke, VA

Healthy sleep is foundational for physical and mental health. When you don't get enough sleep, everything in your day can feel off.

Have you or your partner found yourselves banished to the sofa or guest bedroom due to loud snoring? Sleeping in separate rooms, wearing earplugs, or using headphones to block out snoring are just a Band-Aid on what could be a bigger problem that impacts overall health—sleep apnea.

What Causes Snoring?

Snoring can occur because of an anatomical abnormality. But many other factors can lead to occasional snoring.man with a snoring problem in burke va

  • Alcohol or tobacco use
  • Certain medications (like muscle relaxants, sleep aids, or sedatives)
  • Sinus issues
  • Colds or allergies
  • Excess body weight
  • Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)

If snoring is particularly loud or persistent, it’s time to seek help from a sleep professional and your dentist. Special oral appliances called mandibular repositioning devices (MADs) can help alleviate your symptoms. 

In severe cases, we may recommend a sleep apnea evaluation.

What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a blockage of the airway during sleep that causes interrupted breathing and reduced oxygen. This can be systemically damaging, impacting overall health, and is linked to many other conditions.

  • Diabetes
  • Dementia
  • High blood pressure
  • Obesity
  • Stroke
  • Sudden death
  • Daytime drowsiness
  • Fatigue
  • Asthma
  • Mood disorders (depression, anxiety)

In addition to the physical impact of OSA, it can also impact your daily life, making it dangerous to operate machinery or a vehicle. It can also cause moodiness due to lack of sleep.

What Causes OSA?

Many causes of OSA are similar to snoring.

  • Excess body weight
  • Drug, alcohol, or tobacco use
  • Certain medications
  • Excess tissue at the back of the throat
  • Thick neck circumference
  • Hormones

young couple sleeping soundly in burke vaCentral sleep apnea, alternatively, is caused when your brain fails to tell your body to breathe. Your sleep specialist will help you determine which type of sleep apnea you have. OSA is far more common.

Treatments for OSA

If you suspect you have OSA, you must see a qualified sleep specialist for a diagnosis. This could include an at-home test or an overnight sleep study.

Often, the first line of treatment for OSA is a continuous positive air pressure machine (CPAP) that forces the airway to remain open during sleep.

However, many people do not tolerate the CPAP machine well, which is why we offer an alternative to CPAP therapy using specially designed oral appliances like MADs to gently move the lower jaw forward. MADs can be effective for mild to moderate sleep apnea. In some severe cases, your sleep specialist may recommend a twofold treatment with CPAP and MADs for OSA.

Are You Ready for a Good Night’s Sleep?

If you are tired of trying to get comfortable on the sofa or getting an elbow from your partner in the middle of the night, we welcome you to contact Burke Dental Center at (703) 440-5075 to arrange a consultation with Dr. Khan to discuss your options for better health and better sleep.