Sleep Apnea
IMPROVE YOUR BREATHING
REDUCE HEALTH COMPLICATIONS
IMPROVE YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE
What is Sleep Apnea?
WHEN BREATHING STOPS, HEALTH SUFFERS
Sleep apnea is a serious medical condition that causes repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. These interruptions may last just a few seconds, or they could last for more than a minute. They occur dozens or even hundreds of times each night. This disrupts the body's natural sleep cycle, preventing you from achieving deep, restorative rest.
At the Center for Sleep Therapy, we help patients identify and treat sleep apnea. Our treatment helps them improve their overall health, energy levels, and quality of life.
How Sleep Apnea Affects Your Health
THE POWER OF RESTORATIVE SLEEP
Good sleep is essential for physical, mental, and emotional well-being. When sleep is disrupted, the body doesn’t get the deep rest it needs to repair, recover, and regulate vital functions. Untreated sleep apnea can increase the risk of serious systemic illnesses, including:
- Heart disease and high blood pressure caused by repeated oxygen deprivation that puts strains on the heart and raises blood pressure
- Stroke as a result of interrupted blood flow and increased stress on the cardiovascular system
- Diabetes from insulin resistance due to sleep deprivation affecting glucose metabolism
- Obesity and weight gain due to low energy and increased hunger
- Cognitive decline and memory issues due to oxygen deprivation
- Depression and mood disorders such as anxiety and depression
Sleep Apnea Self-Assessment
HOW SLEEPY ARE YOU DURING THE DAY?
Take this quick self-assessment to determine if you are at risk for sleep apnea.
Common Signs of Sleep Apnea
SIGNS YOU MAY NEED A SLEEP EVALUATION
Many people don’t realize they have sleep apnea, as symptoms occur while they are sleeping. However, some common signs of sleep apnea are:
- Loud snoring
- Choking or gasping during sleep
- Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat
- Daytime fatigue and excessive sleepiness
- Memory problems or concentration challenges
- Mood swings/irritability
- Frequent morning headaches
If you think you may have sleep apnea, contact Dr. Anissi for an initial screening.
How Is Sleep Apnea Evaluated?
STEP-BY-STEP DIAGNOSIS
The Center for Sleep Therapy’s evaluation and sleep assessment process ensures patients receive an accurate diagnosis so we can formulate the best treatment plan.
Sleep Assessment
At the first appointment, patients complete a standardized questionnaire, called the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, to assess their daytime drowsiness and sleep quality.
Referral to a Sleep Physician
Dr. Anissi refers patients to a specialist who performs a comprehensive sleep evaluation.
Results & Treatment Planning
Once diagnosed, Dr. Anissi reviews the physician’s findings and customizes a treatment plan based on the patient’s needs.
Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea
FINDING THE RIGHT SOLUTION FOR YOU
Sleep apnea treatment varies based on the severity of the condition and individual patient needs. At the Center for Sleep Therapy, we explore all available options. Perhaps the most well-known option is CPAP therapy, where a continuous positive airway pressure machine keeps airways open by delivering steady airflow through a mask. This is a highly effective treatment for moderate-to-severe sleep apnea.
For mild-to-moderate sleep apnea, oral appliance therapy is ideal. This involves a custom mouthpiece that repositions the jaw to prevent airway obstruction. In some cases, a sleep physician or ENT may recommend surgical options, such as tonsil or uvula removal to reduce tissue blockage, Inspire therapy to stimulate the airway muscles, or hypoglossal nerve stimulation to prevent airway collapse.
Treatment With a Sleep Physician and The Center for Sleep Therapy
TWO PATHWAYS TO CARE
Traditional Treatment Through Your Sleep Physician
For patients under traditional sleep physician care, the treatment process typically follows this pattern: At the first appointment, the physician reviews symptoms and medical history. Next, the patient visits a sleep lab for a diagnostic sleep study. The physician then provides treatment recommendations at the second appointment. If the provider decides CPAP is the best option, they refer back to the sleep lab. However, patients needing an oral appliance are referred to Dr. Anissi for treatment.
Treatment With Dr. Anissi
At the Center for Sleep Therapy, Dr. Anissi is committed to ensuring that each patient achieves real, lasting results. When you seek treatment at our practice, it looks something like this:
Step 1: Initial Consultation & evaluation
Dr. Anissi takes the time to understand your unique challenges to determine the best course of action. She will evaluate lifestyle factors that may contribute to airway issues, such as diet and weight management, physical activity, and sleep hygiene habits. By addressing these factors from the start, you’ll experience better results and long-term success.
Step 2: Custom Oral Appliance Therapy
For patients choosing oral appliance therapy, Dr. Anissi offers FDA-approved, custom-fitted mouthpieces that:
✔ Gently reposition the jaw to prevent airway collapse
✔ Are lightweight and comfortable for all-night wear
✔ Provide a comfortable alternative to CPAP for eligible patients
Our same-day digital scanning capabilities allow us to offer a fast turnaround time on appliances. Your new oral appliance will be ready in just two weeks.
Step 3: Long-Term Monitoring
Dr. Anissi believes that ongoing evaluation is key to successful sleep apnea treatment. All our patients receive annual rechecks to monitor the effectiveness of their treatment. We then make adjustments as needed to ensure comfort and results.
Take the Next Step So You Can Enjoy More Restful Sleep
If you are a snorer, experiencing fatigue, or noticing other signs of sleep apnea, don’t wait to get an evaluation. At the Center for Sleep Therapy, we’re here to help you breathe better, sleep better, and live better. Schedule your appointment today.
The Center for Sleep Therapy — Your Experts in Better Sleep
Dr. Anissi is a board-certified sleep dentist with over 30 years of experience. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine as well as the American Orthodontic Society.
Professional Qualifications
Dr. Anissi completed her Doctor of Dental Surgery at the State University of New York at Buffalo’s School of Dentistry. Once her general practice residency at Strong Memorial Hospital ended in 1992, Dr. Anissi began working in her own practice.
