What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a serious and common sleep disorder where your breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. It occurs when the muscles in your throat relax excessively, causing the soft tissues to collapse and block your airway. These interruptions, called apneas (complete cessation of breathing) or hypopneas (shallow breathing), can last from a few seconds to over a minute and can occur hundreds of times a night.

During an apneic event, your brain and body are deprived of oxygen. Your brain then briefly rouses you from sleep to restart breathing, often with a gasp or snort, though you may not remember these awakenings. These constant disruptions prevent you from reaching the deep, restorative stages of sleep, leading to profound daytime fatigue and a cascade of serious health problems.

At NTX Sleep Solutions, led by Dr. Rebecca Lauck, we specialize in identifying the dental aspects of OSA and providing effective, non-invasive treatment solutions for patients across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex who suffer from this condition.

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Common Signs & Symptoms of OSA

Many people with OSA are unaware they have it, as the awakenings are often brief and unremembered. However, a bed partner is often the first to notice the classic signs. Look out for:

  • Loud, chronic snoring (often with pauses, gasps, or choking sounds)
  • Excessive daytime sleepiness or fatigue, even after a full night’s sleep
  • Morning headaches
  • Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat
  • Irritability, mood swings, or depression
  • Difficulty concentrating, memory problems, or brain fog
  • Frequent nighttime urination
  • Restless sleep
  • Decreased libido

If you or a loved one experience any of these symptoms, especially loud snoring combined with pauses in breathing, it’s crucial to seek a professional evaluation.

The Serious Health Risks of Untreated OSA

Obstructive Sleep Apnea is far more than just a sleep disruption; it’s a significant risk factor for numerous severe health complications. When left untreated, OSA can contribute to:

  • High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): A strong link exists between OSA and chronic high blood pressure.
  • Heart Disease: Increased risk of heart attack, stroke, irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias), and heart failure.
  • Type 2 Diabetes: OSA can worsen insulin resistance, making blood sugar control more difficult.
  • Increased Risk of Accidents: Severe daytime sleepiness can impair alertness and reaction time, leading to a higher risk of car accidents and workplace incidents.
  • Weight Gain: Sleep deprivation can disrupt hormones that control appetite, leading to weight gain, which in turn can worsen OSA.
  • Depression & Anxiety: The chronic stress of poor sleep can exacerbate mental health issues.
  • Weakened Immune System: Poor sleep can compromise your body’s ability to fight off infections.

Diagnosing Obstructive Sleep Apnea

A definitive diagnosis of OSA requires a sleep study, either performed in a sleep lab (polysomnography) or conveniently at home (home sleep apnea test). These studies monitor your breathing, oxygen levels, heart rate, and sleep stages.

At NTX Sleep Solutions, Dr. Rebecca Lauck, with her specialized training and focus on sleep apnea, works closely with your primary care physician or a referred sleep specialist to ensure you receive the appropriate diagnostic testing for an accurate medical diagnosis.

Effective Treatment for OSA at NTX Sleep Solutions

Once diagnosed, Dr. Rebecca Lauck offers highly effective, comfortable, and non-invasive solutions for mild to moderate OSA, or for those who cannot tolerate CPAP therapy. Her primary treatment method is Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT).

  • Custom Oral Appliances: Dr. Lauck utilizes her extensive experience and two diplomate degrees to custom-fit FDA-approved devices (like SomnoMed, Herbst, and ProSomnus EVO) that gently reposition your jaw and/or tongue to keep your airway open during sleep. These devices are comfortable, portable, and silent, providing a welcome alternative to CPAP.
  • Medicare Provider: As a Medicare provider for Sleep Apnea, Dr. Lauck can help you understand potential coverage for your oral appliance treatment.

Don’t let Obstructive Sleep Apnea compromise your health and quality of life. Understanding the condition is the first step towards managing it effectively.