If you wake up feeling unrested, doze off during the day, or find you’ve lost interest in things you used to enjoy, sleep apnea may be the cause. This common condition happens when your breathing repeatedly stops during sleep, leaving your body starved of oxygen and real rest. Your risk is higher if you’ve been told you snore loudly, or if you have conditions like high blood pressure or excess weight. Left untreated, sleep apnea can increase your risk for serious health problems and even shorten your life. The good news is that effective, comfortable treatments are available by calling our Columbus, Ohio dentist at (614) 848-5001.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Because sleep apnea happens at night, many people live with it for years before getting a diagnosis. Still, there are signs that point to the condition, such as: poor focus, morning headaches, waking unrested, or feeling drowsy throughout the day. You may also notice restless sleep, frequent nighttime bathroom trips, or unexplained fatigue. If you live with a partner, they may observe loud snoring, pauses in breathing, or gasping for air during the night. Recognizing these symptoms early is the first step toward getting the help you need.
Health Risks of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is more than just snoring — it affects the entire body. When your airway collapses at night, your brain and heart are forced to work harder, raising blood pressure and disrupting vital systems. Untreated sleep apnea has been linked to conditions like stroke, heart disease, diabetes, memory problems, and depression. It can also increase the risk of accidents due to daytime fatigue. These dangers arise because the brain must partially wake up each time breathing stops, preventing the deep, restorative rest your body relies on. Over time, this lack of quality sleep takes a heavy toll on both health and quality of life.
What Causes Sleep Apnea?
The most common type, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), occurs when the soft tissues in the back of the throat relax and block the airway. Snoring often accompanies OSA, caused by vibrations as air struggles to pass through. Factors like excess weight, aging, or certain anatomical features can increase your risk. Less common forms include central sleep apnea (when the brain fails to signal the body to breathe) and complex sleep apnea, which combines both obstructive and central causes. No matter the type, all forms interfere with oxygen flow and sleep quality.
How Sleep Apnea is Diagnosed
If you suspect you may have sleep apnea, the process to confirm it is straightforward. Dr. Michael Firouzian, a trusted sleep dentist in Columbus, can perform an initial evaluation and may recommend a sleep study. In many cases, this can be done in the comfort of your own home with a small, easy-to-use device. A sleep study measures your breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and other vital signs to confirm the presence and severity of sleep apnea. Once results are available, Dr. Firouzian can work with you to create a treatment plan that fits your needs.
Dental Sleep Apnea Treatments in Columbus, Ohio
At Firouzian Dentistry, we provide comfortable alternatives to CPAP machines. While CPAP is effective, many patients struggle with the mask, tubing, and noise. That’s why we often recommend oral appliance therapy, a custom-fitted device that looks like a mouthguard. It gently repositions the jaw to keep your airway open throughout the night. Patients love that it’s small, quiet, portable, and much easier to use than CPAP. As a member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, Dr. Michael Firouzian combines advanced training with a compassionate approach to care. He helps patients who can’t tolerate CPAP find relief with simple, effective dental solutions. With the right treatment, you can reduce snoring, protect your health, and finally enjoy deep, restorative rest again.
Why Treating Sleep Apnea Matters
Treating sleep apnea can transform both your health and your daily life. By improving airflow and restoring quality sleep, you’ll notice more energy, sharper focus, and improved mood. It also lowers the risk of serious conditions like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Many patients tell us they not only sleep better but also feel like themselves again. Addressing sleep apnea is about more than managing symptoms — it’s about protecting your long-term health and reclaiming your quality of life.
Taking the First Step Toward Better Sleep
Better sleep begins with a consultation. Dr. Firouzian will review your symptoms, discuss your options, and help you find the treatment that works best for you. Imagine waking up feeling refreshed, alert, and ready for the day instead of dragging through it. With dental sleep apnea treatments in Columbus, Ohio, that vision can become reality.
Call (614) 848-5001 today to schedule your appointment.
