You may have noticed your partner suddenly gasping for air during the night. It can be frightening to hear, especially when it happens repeatedly. You might assume it is just loud snoring or an odd sleep habit, but it could be sleep apnea. When breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, the body is forced into a state of stress that affects overall health and daily life.
Understanding Sleep Apnea and OSA
Your Chesapeake dentist explains that sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that disrupts normal breathing. One of the most common forms is obstructive sleep apnea, often called OSA. With OSA, the muscles in the throat relax too much during sleep, blocking the airway. When this happens, oxygen levels drop, and the brain briefly wakes the body to resume breathing. You may not notice these awakenings, but they can occur dozens of times each hour.
If your partner has OSA, you might hear choking sounds, snorting, or gasping for air. You may also notice restless sleep or frequent awakenings throughout the night. These symptoms are not just disruptive. They signal that the body is not getting the rest it needs.
How Sleep Apnea Affects Daily Life
When sleep is constantly interrupted, the effects follow you into the daytime. You or your partner may feel exhausted even after a full night in bed. Morning headaches, trouble concentrating, irritability, and memory problems are common. Over time, untreated sleep apnea can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart problems, and other serious conditions.
As someone who shares a bed or a home, you are often the first to notice the signs. Your awareness can play an important role in helping your partner seek care.
The Role of a Sleep Apnea Dentist
Many people are surprised to learn that a sleep apnea dentist can help manage OSA. A sleep apnea dentist focuses on oral appliance therapy, which uses a custom device worn during sleep to keep the airway open. This option is often helpful for people who cannot tolerate other treatments.
If you are looking for a Chesapeake OSA dentist, Chesapeake Center for Complete Dentistry offers care focused on both comfort and long-term health. An obstructive sleep apnea dentist in Chesapeake can evaluate symptoms, work with sleep physicians, and provide personalized solutions.
Taking the Next Step Together
If your partner is gasping for air at night, it is not something to ignore. Talking openly about what you have noticed can be the first step toward better sleep and improved health for both of you. Seeking help from a qualified sleep apnea dentist may lead to quieter nights, deeper rest, and greater peace of mind in your home.