Breathing Trouble at Night? 5 Common Causes of Sleep Apnea Symptoms You Should Know

Are you struggling to get a good night’s sleep even after eight hours? You’re not alone—and if you find yourself waking up tired, gasping for air, or feeling foggy during the day, it could be a sign of disrupted breathing during sleep. At Sarasota Center for General Dentistry, Dr. Francisco Marcano and his team are committed to helping patients uncover the underlying issues that may interfere with their rest. While Dr. Marcano does not diagnose sleep apnea, his practice offers non-invasive dental treatments to help manage sleep-disordered breathing symptoms. Let’s explore five reasons you may be experiencing breathing difficulties while sleeping in Sarasota, Florida.

1. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

OSA is among the most common causes of nighttime breathing issues. It occurs when the soft tissues at the back of the throat collapse and block the airway during sleep, often resulting in loud snoring, choking sensations, and frequent awakenings. Though only a sleep specialist can diagnose OSA, Dr. Marcano can assist in managing mild to moderate cases by offering custom oral appliances designed to keep the airway open throughout the night.

2. Obesity or Weight Gain

Excess body weight, especially around the neck and upper airway, can contribute to restricted airflow while lying down. Fat deposits near the throat may narrow the airway and lead to more frequent obstructions. This is a major risk factor for sleep apnea and related breathing disorders. Patients who are overweight and experiencing poor sleep may benefit from medical intervention and lifestyle adjustments, alongside dental sleep solutions offered at our office.

3. Anatomical Factors

Your natural anatomy may be contributing to your sleep-related breathing problems. A small jaw, enlarged tonsils, a recessed chin, or a deviated nasal septum can all contribute to airway obstruction. These issues may not cause problems while awake but become significant once the muscles relax during sleep. Dr. Marcano can evaluate your oral structures and determine if an oral sleep appliance may help reposition your jaw to improve airflow.

4. Chronic Nasal Congestion

Consistent nasal congestion caused by allergies, sinus infections, or environmental irritants can lead to mouth breathing at night, dry out the throat, and increase the likelihood of snoring and airway collapse. While this cause is not always linked to traditional sleep apnea, it can worsen existing symptoms. Treating underlying nasal issues and using an oral appliance may offer patients some relief and support a more restful sleep.

5. Age and Muscle Tone Decline

The muscles that help keep our airway open naturally lose tone as we age. This means they are more likely to collapse while sleeping, leading to interrupted breathing or pauses in airflow. People who have never had breathing problems before may experience symptoms later in life. Dr. Marcano provides treatment options that are especially helpful for aging adults who want a conservative and comfortable way to manage this issue without using a CPAP machine.

Call Us!

Call (941) 900-3555 to schedule a consultation at Sarasota Center for General Dentistry in Sarasota, FL, and learn more about how a custom dental device might improve your sleep and overall health.

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