Obstructive sleep apnea: symptoms, risks and treatment
Sleep apnea is one of the most common and most under-diagnosed health conditions. Here is what it is, how to recognize it, and how it can be treated right here in Birmingham.
What is obstructive sleep apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep-related breathing disorder. While you sleep, the muscles in your throat relax. In people with OSA, the tongue and soft tissues fall back and partly or completely block the upper airway. Your chest and diaphragm work harder to pull air in, breathing becomes shallow or stops, and oxygen levels drop.
Your brain eventually senses the problem and briefly wakes you so you can breathe again, often with a loud snort, gasp or body jerk. These awakenings are so short that most people never remember them, but they can happen dozens of times an hour, breaking up deep, restorative sleep all night long.
Who is at risk?
Sleep apnea can develop at any age, in men and women alike. Factors that raise your risk include:
- A narrow airway or small lower jaw
- Large tongue or tonsils
- Excess weight around the neck
- Chronic nasal congestion
- High blood pressure
- Type 2 diabetes
- Hypothyroidism or PCOS
- Smoking or alcohol use
- Family history of sleep apnea
- Teeth grinding (bruxism) or TMJ problems
Dentists are often the first to spot the signs. Worn teeth from grinding, a scalloped tongue, a narrow dental arch or enlarged tonsils can all point toward a sleep-breathing problem.
Untreated sleep apnea affects your whole body
Every breathing pause strains your heart and brain. Over time, untreated sleep apnea has been linked to serious health problems.
Heart and blood pressure
Repeated drops in oxygen raise blood pressure and are associated with heart disease, irregular heart rhythms and stroke.
Metabolism and weight
Poor sleep is linked to insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and difficulty managing weight.
Safety and mood
Daytime sleepiness raises the risk of drowsy driving and workplace accidents, and is tied to depression, irritability and memory problems.
Sleep apnea treatment options
The right treatment depends on how severe your sleep apnea is, your anatomy and your preferences. Options include:
Oral appliance therapy
A custom-fitted mouthpiece that holds your lower jaw slightly forward to keep your airway open. It is an effective option for snoring and for many people with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, and it may help some patients who have trouble with CPAP. It is usually not enough on its own for severe sleep apnea. This is the treatment Dr. Lester provides. Learn how oral appliance therapy works.
CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure)
A bedside machine that gently pushes air through a mask to keep the airway open. CPAP is the standard treatment for sleep apnea and is highly effective, especially for severe cases. If the mask is hard to get used to, your CPAP provider can often help with fit and settings. Some patients use an oral appliance together with CPAP. Having trouble with CPAP?
Lifestyle changes and other treatments
Weight loss, sleeping on your side, limiting alcohol and treating nasal congestion can all help. In some cases, surgery or an implanted nerve stimulator may be considered. Dr. Lester will help you understand your options and work with your physician when needed.
The first step is a sleep test. Only a sleep study can confirm sleep apnea and show how severe it is. Our Rest Assured home sleep test lets you complete it in your own bed. How home sleep testing works.
Educational content from Sleep Better Alabama, the dental sleep division of Healthy Smiles of Birmingham. Last updated October 2026. This page does not replace a diagnosis from a qualified healthcare provider.