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    • Sleep Apnea Treatments
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    • Why You Should See Your Dentist
    • The Symptoms & Causes of Sleep Apnea
    • The Dangers of Untreated Sleep Apnea
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      • Sleep Apnea & Your Mental Health
      • Sleep Apnea & Your Child
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      • Mouth & Throat Exercises for Sleep Apnea
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Symptoms & Causes of Sleep Apnea

Recognizing the Signs and Causes of Sleep Apnea in Windsor!

Sleep apnea is more than just loud snoring. It is a serious sleep disorder that interrupts breathing multiple times during the night. These breathing pauses prevent you from getting the deep, restorative rest your body needs and can lead to long-term health concerns if left untreated. Many people do not realize they have sleep apnea until a partner notices pauses in their breathing or until daytime fatigue begins affecting their quality of life.

At the office of Dr. Roberta Garceau, our sleep apnea dentist in Windsor, CT, we provide effective and personalized treatment to help patients sleep better and live healthier. Our practice proudly serves patients in Windsor, Hartford, Bloomfield, and surrounding communities. If you’re experiencing any sleep apnea symptoms, contact our Windsor sleep center by calling (860) 254-6189. 

  • What is Sleep Apnea?
  • The Symptoms & Causes of Sleep Apnea
  • Sleep Apnea Treatments
  • Why You Should See Your Dentist

Exceptional Care From Our Sleep Apnea Dentist

Finding the right sleep apnea dentist near you can make all the difference. Dr. Roberta Garceau is a dedicated sleep apnea specialist in Windsor, CT, who offers compassionate and personalized care.

Dr. Garceau specializes in oral appliance therapy, a comfortable and effective treatment alternative to CPAP machines. The custom-made oral appliance repositions the jaw to keep the airway open throughout the night, allowing you to breathe normally and sleep soundly.

Her educational background includes advanced training with the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, which equips her with the knowledge and skills to provide evidence-based, effective care for patients with sleep-disordered breathing.

Patients from Windsor, Hartford, Bloomfield, Simsbury, and nearby areas trust Dr. Garceau because she takes the time to understand their needs, explains every treatment option, and provides solutions that fit their lifestyle. Her goal is to restore restful sleep, improve daily energy, and safeguard long-term health.

patient with red hair sitting in dental chair listening to dentist speak

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which your breathing repeatedly stops and starts while you sleep. These episodes may last only a few seconds but can occur dozens or even hundreds of times throughout the night. Every time your breathing stops, your brain briefly wakes you up to restore airflow. These interruptions prevent you from reaching deep sleep, leaving you tired the next day.

There are three main types of sleep apnea:

  • Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), the most common type, occurs when throat muscles relax too much and block the airway.
  • Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) happens when the brain does not send the right signals to the muscles that control breathing.
  • Complex Sleep Apnea is a combination of both OSA and CSA.

Regardless of the type, untreated sleep apnea can disrupt your health and your daily life.

Common Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Because sleep apnea occurs while you sleep, many people are unaware of their symptoms until a partner notices them. The most common signs include:

  • Loud and chronic snoring
  • Pauses in breathing during sleep, often noticed by others
  • Gasping or choking while asleep
  • Morning headaches or dry mouth
  • Persistent daytime fatigue, even after a full night’s rest
  • Irritability, mood swings, or difficulty focusing
  • Trouble staying awake during work or driving

Not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, but if several of these symptoms sound familiar, it is important to contact our sleep apnea dentist in Windsor by calling (860) 254-6189 for evaluation.

man snoring

Causes of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea develops for different reasons, often involving a combination of risk factors. The most common causes include:

  • Excess weight. Extra tissue around the throat can obstruct airflow.
  • Age and gender. Middle-aged men are more likely to develop sleep apnea, though it affects women as well.
  • Physical traits. A narrow airway, large tongue, or enlarged tonsils can increase risk.
  • Family history. Genetics may make you more prone to airway issues.
  • Lifestyle choices. Smoking, drinking alcohol, and using sedatives relax throat muscles and contribute to sleep apnea.
  • Nasal congestion. Blocked nasal passages make breathing more difficult during sleep.

Identifying these causes helps your sleep apnea dentist in Windsor, CT create a treatment plan that targets your specific needs.

blood sugar test

Why Sleep Apnea Should Not Be Ignored

Sleep apnea is often mistaken as an inconvenience, but the condition can have serious consequences. Untreated sleep apnea is associated with:

  • High blood pressure
  • Heart disease and irregular heartbeat
  • Stroke
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Weight gain and difficulty losing weight
  • Depression and memory issues
  • Increased risk of accidents due to drowsiness

Seeking treatment not only improves sleep but also protects your long-term health.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the daytime symptoms of OSA?
What are the nighttime symptoms of OSA?
What are the potential consequences of untreated sleep apnea?
What are the daytime symptoms of OSA?

If you’ve been diagnosed with OSA but haven’t sought treatment, your daily routine could be affected by daytime symptoms including:

  • Excessive daytime fatigue
  • Feeling drowsy/sleepy during routine activities
  • Poor concentration
  • Depression or irritability
  • Early morning headaches

What are the nighttime symptoms of OSA?

Unlike the daytime symptoms of OSA, the nighttime symptoms are much harder to spot on your own. If you or somebody you care about shows signs of any of the symptoms below, please seek help from Dr. Garceau, our expert sleep dentist.

Nighttime symptoms of sleep apnea are as follows:

  • Choking or gasping for air during sleep
  • Loud or disruptive snoring
  • Restless sleep
  • Frequent visits to the bathroom
  • Witnessed pauses in breathing

What are the potential consequences of untreated sleep apnea?

Whether you’ve been diagnosed or not, if you don’t seek treatment, in some rare cases, sleep apnea can cause death. There are other consequences including heart disease and heart attack, high blood pressure, stroke, fatigue-related motor vehicle and work accidents, and a decreased overall quality-of-life.

If you or a loved one are experiencing any of these symptoms, please contact our office and speak with our sleep apnea specialist, Dr. Roberta Garceau. She will help you get the diagnosis and treatment that you deserve.

Take Control of Your Sleep Health with the Help of our Windsor Sleep Dentist!

Sleep apnea is not just about snoring or restless nights. It affects your health, energy, relationships, and quality of life. Recognizing the symptoms and causes of sleep apnea is the first step toward improving your overall well-being.

At the office of Dr. Roberta Garceau, a trusted sleep dentist in Windsor, CT, patients throughout Windsor, Hartford, Bloomfield, Simsbury, and surrounding areas receive customized care in a supportive environment. With Dr. Garceau’s expertise, you can finally achieve restful sleep and protect your long-term health.

Contact our sleep center in Windsor, CT by calling (860) 254-6189 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Garceau and discover how personalized treatment can help you sleep better, breathe easier, and live healthier.

Hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday 8:00am to 5:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am to 5:00pm
Thursday 8:00am to 5:00pm
Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm

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YOUR DENTIST IN WINDSOR

Dr. Roberta Garceau
62 Bloomfield Avenue, Windsor, CT 06095

New Patients: 860-254-6189
Current Patients: 860-688-4325

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