Protect Your Sleep And Your Health
Sleep apnea is a serious condition that causes repeated pauses in your breathing during sleep. There are three types of sleep apnea: obstructive, central, and mixed (or complex) which all have different causes, but still result in the same breathing problems during rest.
In addition to disrupting your sleep, sleep apnea can impact the quality of your life and can have a severely negative impact on your relationships, productivity, and health if left untreated.
Fortunately, effective treatment for sleep apnea is provided by our dentist in Windsor, CT. Dr. Garceau will discuss your treatment options and help determine the best solution for your condition to get you the restful sleep you deserve.

How Untreated Sleep Apnea Impacts Your Health and Safety
Untreated sleep apnea damages your health in numerous ways:

Cardiovascular System
Almost 50 percent of patients who suffer from sleep apnea also have hypertension. According to Donna Arnett, chair and professor of epidemiology at the Alabama University School of Public Health says, “The evidence is very strong for the relationship between sleep apnea and hypertension and cardiovascular disease.”

Mental Health

Weight Gain

Cognitive Function

Respiratory System

Diabetes
Frequently Asked Questions
How do the three types of sleep apnea differ?
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)—the throat muscles and mouth tissues relax during rest to the point they collapse into the airway which restricts airflow. As a defense, the brain jolts you awake so that you can breathe properly. This is the most common form of sleep apnea and treatment is geared towards removing the obstruction.
Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)—the brain doesn’t send the correct signal to the body to breathe which means patients aren’t breathing as normal. The brain will jolt you awake so that you can resume breathing as a defense. This is a less common type of sleep apnea and it usually develops due to an underlying issue and thus cannot be treated by a dentist. Treatments will be aimed at treating the underlying cause.
Mixed (Complex) Sleep Apnea (MSA)—as the name suggests, this type of sleep apnea is complex because patients exhibit a combination of symptoms from both OSA and CSA. Your treatment plan may consist of treating underlying conditions while preventing obstructions in the throat.
How can I reduce my risk of sleep apnea?
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Get regular exercise ⎼ yoga specifically promotes oxygen flow
- Change your sleep position, also referred to as positional therapy
- Use a humidifier to open your airway
- Avoid or reduce smoking and alcohol consumption
Treat Your Sleep Apnea with Dr. Garceau
If you think you’re suffering from sleep apnea, give us a call at (860) 254-6189 or click the button to the right to schedule your consultation with Dr. Garceau. She’ll take the time to understand your symptoms, assess your health, and determine if a sleep study is necessary for you. Once you receive a proper diagnosis, Dr. Garceau and her team will work with your sleep medicine specialist to find the right treatment for your condition.