Do I Suffer from Sleep Apnea?
Do you wake up feeling tired, foggy, or irritable—even after a full night of sleep? Are you struggling with fatigue, poor concentration at work or school, frequent morning headaches, or loud snoring that disrupts your household? These may be warning signs of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a serious sleep-related breathing disorder that affects your entire body—not just your sleep.
At the Center for Dental Sleep Health, Dr. Stephen Ura is a trusted sleep apnea dentist in Nashua, NH, helping patients near you identify the root cause of sleep apnea and receive effective, non-CPAP treatment options.
Call (603) 886-4300 to schedule your consultation at our Nashua dental office. We proudly serve patients in Nashua, Hudson, Merrimack, Milford, Amherst, and surrounding New Hampshire communities.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a chronic sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. These interruptions—called apneas and hypopneas—reduce oxygen levels in the blood and strain the heart, lungs, nervous system, and circulatory system.
Many patients are unaware they have sleep apnea because the symptoms occur during sleep. Over time, untreated sleep apnea increases the risk of serious health conditions, including hypertension, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and heart failure.
Why Choose Dr. Stephen Ura for Sleep Apnea Treatment?
Dr. Stephen Ura is a highly regarded sleep apnea dentist in Nashua, NH, with decades of experience in dental sleep medicine. He earned his dental degree from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry and has completed over 2,500 hours of advanced training in restorative dentistry and sleep medicine.
As a Diplomate of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM), Dr. Ura specializes in treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with personalized oral appliance therapy. Many patients come to him after struggling with CPAP therapy; his custom-made appliances comfortably reposition the jaw to keep the airway open during sleep.
For compassionate, expert care, Dr. Ura serves Nashua and nearby areas, including Hudson, Merrimack, Milford, and Amherst, NH.
Types of Sleep Apnea
Understanding the type of sleep apnea you have is critical for effective treatment.
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): The most common form of sleep apnea, OSA, occurs when the soft tissues of the throat, tongue, uvula, or soft palate collapse and block airflow during sleep. This airway obstruction leads to snoring, oxygen deprivation, and repeated awakenings.
- Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): CSA occurs when the brain fails to send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. This form is linked to neurology, heart disease, stroke, or certain medications.
- Complex Sleep Apnea: A rare combination of both obstructive and central sleep apnea.
Genetic and Physical Risk Factors for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Many sleep apnea risk factors are structural or genetic, meaning lifestyle changes alone may not resolve the problem.
Common risk factors include:
- Family history of sleep apnea
- Small or recessed jaw (leading to TMJ disorder)
- Thick neck circumference
- Enlarged tonsils or soft tissue in the throat
- Male gender
- Menopause and hormone changes
- Obesity or high body mass index (BMI)
- Hypothyroidism
- Acromegaly (abnormal bone and tissue growth)
- Nasal congestion or chronic allergies
- Smoking and alcohol or sedative use
How Sleep Apnea Affects Your Body and Long-Term Health
Sleep apnea is not just a sleep issue—it’s a systemic disease that impacts nearly every major organ system.
Cardiovascular and Circulatory Health
Repeated drops in blood oxygen levels increase blood pressure and inflammation, raising the risk of:
- Hypertension
- Cardiovascular disease
- Atrial fibrillation
- Heart attack and heart failure
- Abnormal heart rate
Metabolic and Endocrine Effects
Sleep apnea disrupts metabolism and insulin regulation, contributing to:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Insulin resistance
- Elevated blood sugar levels
- High cholesterol
- Metabolic syndrome
- Weight gain and difficulty with weight management
- Fatty liver disease and abnormal liver function tests
Brain, Mood, and Mental Health
Oxygen deprivation and sleep fragmentation affect the nervous system, leading to:
- Memory and concentration problems
- Depression and anxiety
- Irritability and mood swings
- Increased stress levels
- Reduced quality of life
- Increased risk of dementia
Daily Symptoms Patients Often Experience
- Loud, chronic snoring
- Daytime sleepiness or hypersomnia
- Morning headaches
- Insomnia
- Dry mouth or sore throat
- Shortness of breath during sleep
- Restless sleep or choking sensations
- Reduced libido or sexual dysfunction
Why Treating Sleep Apnea Matters
Untreated sleep apnea increases the risk of workplace accidents, motor vehicle crashes, poor job performance, and long-term medical complications. Early diagnosis and treatment can dramatically improve your sleep quality, energy levels, mental health, and overall well-being.
Diagnosing Sleep Apnea Near You in Nashua, NH
Sleep apnea is typically diagnosed using polysomnography, a comprehensive sleep study performed at a sleep center. However, many patients prefer a more accessible option.
Dr. Ura can arrange a home sleep test, allowing you to be evaluated in the comfort of your own bed. Results are reviewed by a qualified sleep physician, who confirms the diagnosis and severity of OSA.
Sleep Apnea Treatment Options at Our Nashua Dental Sleep Practice
While positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is often prescribed, many patients struggle with comfort and compliance.
As a leading sleep apnea dentist near you, Dr. Ura specializes in custom oral appliance therapy, a proven alternative for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea.
Oral appliance therapy benefits:
- Keeps the airway open by repositioning the jaw and tongue
- Improves airflow and oxygen levels
- Reduces snoring and breathing interruptions
- Comfortable, portable, and easy to use
- No masks, hoses, or noisy machines
Treatment is personalized to your anatomy, sleep habits, and health needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can lifestyle changes help improve sleep apnea?
Yes, lifestyle changes can reduce symptoms, especially when combined with professional treatment:
- Weight loss and regular exercise
- Avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bed
- Sleeping on your side
- Quitting smoking
- Managing nasal congestion and allergies
What causes airway obstruction during sleep?
Airway obstruction occurs when throat muscles relax and soft tissue collapses, blocking airflow. Obesity, enlarged tonsils, tongue size, jaw position, and neck circumference all play a role.
How does sleep apnea affect mental health?
Sleep apnea is linked to depression, anxiety, memory issues, irritability, and decreased cognitive function due to chronic oxygen deprivation and sleep disruption.
Is a dentist qualified to treat sleep apnea?
Yes. A trained dental sleep medicine provider works alongside sleep physicians to deliver oral appliance therapy for obstructive sleep apnea.
Schedule Your Sleep Apnea Consultation in Nashua, NH
Don’t let sleep apnea silently damage your health. Early diagnosis and treatment can protect your heart, brain, and overall quality of life.
Call the Center for Dental Sleep Health at (603) 886-4300 or complete our online contact form to schedule your consultation with Dr. Stephen Ura, a trusted sleep apnea dentist in Nashua.
Better sleep starts here—right near you. Our Nashua sleep apnea dental practice welcomes patients from Hudson, Merrimack, Milford, Amherst, and surrounding New Hampshire communities.