Tag Archive for: OSA Treatment

Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Diabetes: Why Quality Sleep Matters

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The Link Between Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Diabetes: Why Quality Sleep Matters

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month — a perfect time to highlight the powerful connection between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and diabetes. While these two conditions may seem unrelated, research shows they often go hand-in-hand, affecting millions of people across the U.S.

At Comprehensive Sleep Care Center, we understand that quality sleep plays a vital role in maintaining overall health — including blood sugar regulation and metabolic balance.

What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep, causing breathing interruptions throughout the night. These pauses can happen dozens or even hundreds of times, leading to poor sleep quality and low oxygen levels.

Symptoms of OSA include:

  • Loud, chronic snoring

  • Gasping or choking during sleep

  • Morning headaches

  • Daytime fatigue or trouble concentrating

  • High blood pressure

The Connection Between Sleep Apnea and Diabetes

Sleep apnea doesn’t just affect rest — it can directly impact blood glucose control. Here’s how:

  1. Interrupted Sleep Affects Insulin Sensitivity
    Repeated awakenings from apnea episodes trigger stress hormones like cortisol, which can make the body more resistant to insulin — a key factor in Type 2 Diabetes.

  2. Low Oxygen Impacts Glucose Metabolism
    Oxygen deprivation during sleep affects how your body uses glucose, leading to higher blood sugar levels and increased risk for diabetes complications.

  3. Weight Gain and Inflammation
    Both OSA and diabetes are linked to obesity and chronic inflammation, creating a cycle that worsens both conditions.

In fact, studies show that over 50% of people with Type 2 Diabetes also have obstructive sleep apnea — many without realizing it.

Treating Sleep Apnea Can Improve Blood Sugar Control

The good news? Treating OSA can make a measurable difference.
Using PAP therapy (Positive Airway Pressure) or other personalized sleep treatments can help:

  • Improve insulin sensitivity

  • Reduce nighttime glucose spikes

  • Support weight loss efforts

  • Boost overall energy and mood

Patients often notice better blood sugar stability and improved A1C levels after consistent sleep therapy.

When to Get Screened

If you have diabetes — or are at risk — it’s important to ask your healthcare provider about sleep apnea screening.
Common risk factors include:

  • Excess weight or large neck circumference

  • Family history of OSA

  • High blood pressure

  • Loud snoring or excessive daytime sleepiness

Comprehensive Sleep Care Center Can Help

At Comprehensive Sleep Care Center, our team specializes in diagnosing and treating over 80 types of sleep disorders, including obstructive sleep apnea.

We offer:

  • In-lab and at-home sleep studies

  • Personalized PAP therapy support

  • Oral appliance therapy for those intolerant to PAP

  • Education and long-term care to help you achieve your best sleep health

This National Diabetes Awareness Month, take a step toward better rest and better health — because managing sleep is managing diabetes.

Schedule a Consultation Today

If you suspect sleep apnea or are struggling with diabetes-related fatigue, we can help.
Contact Comprehensive Sleep Care Center today to schedule a sleep consultation and take the first step toward healthier sleep — and healthier living.

👉 comprehensivesleepcare.com

Safer Sleep Apnea Treatment During COVID-19

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A Safer Sleep Apnea Treatment During COVID-19

CPAP Alternative – Oral Appliance Therapy

 

CPAP Alternative

Over the years, we have heard it time and time again: I hate my CPAP, I’ve tried, but I really can’t tolerate it. I feel claustrophobic with the mask… isn’t there a CPAP alternative? Yes, there is! You can say Bye Bye CPAP and treat your sleep apnea and snoring without a mask with Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT). Oral Appliance is also a safe and CPAP alternative treatment option during these times of COVID 19

Position Statement

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) recommends oral appliance therapy as a first-line treatment for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, or in cases where patients are unable to tolerate CPAP therapy. In addition, the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM) states that oral appliance therapy (OAT) should be prescribed as a first-line therapy for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

CPAP Non-Compliance

It is estimated that 30-50 percent of CPAP users don’t like their treatment; another survey discovered that about half of patients stop using CPAP within 1-3 weeks. Luckily, there is a better way to treat sleep apnea without a bulky CPAP or surgery.

A Better Treatment Option

Over 300,000 patients world-wide have found successful treatment with Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT), a custom-made oral device for the treatment of mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Oral Appliance Therapy has been shown to be highly effective in treating sleep apnea and snoring. In fact, 91% of patients reported improvement in sleep quality while wearing it.

CPAP Alternative for Sleep Apnea

What is Oral Appliance Therapy?

Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) is a no-mask CPAP alternative treatment for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea and snoring. It is similar in appearance to a retainer. The Oral appliance is custom fit by a qualified dentist. It works by holding the jaw slightly forward. This keeps the tongue and soft tissues from collapsing and blocking your airflow/breathing during sleep.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Millions suffer from the effects of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), yet few are aware of the potential health hazards.

The warning signs of OSA include

  • Frequent and loud snoring
  • Daytime sleepiness
  • Waking during the night gasping for breath
  • Morning Headaches
  • Grinding Teeth

Obstructive sleep apnea can lead to the following health issues:

  • High blood pressure
  • Heart disease – including sudden cardiac death
  • Stroke
  • Type-2 Diabetes
  • Weight Gain
  • Greater risk of car accidents due to drowsiness
  • Depression/anxiety
  • Decreased Sex Drive

Pretty serious stuff if left untreated.

Treating snoring or obstructive sleep apnea with oral appliance therapy can help you feel like a new person. You will find that your symptoms, and your quality of life, can improve dramatically when you remain committed to your treatment and use it nightly.

Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy

  • No mask or machine needed
  • Comfortable & easy to wear
  • Easy to disinfect and clean
  • Discreet & silent
  • Portable and easy for travel
  • No electricity needed
  • Allows for talking and drinking
  • Less issues for claustrophobic patients
  • Most patients see improvement in the first few nights
  • Better compliance rates compared to CPAP
  • Less cumbersome & more attractive compared to a CPAP
  • Significantly improves sleep apnea symptoms, i.e. oxygen saturation and daytime sleepiness

 OAT may be the perfect CPAP alternative solution for ending snoring, treating Sleep Apnea, and improving your sleep quality. It is an ideal treatment for patients who have been diagnosed with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea or for those who have severe OSA yet are unable or unwilling to tolerate CPAP therapy and/or surgery.

Comprehensive Sleep Care Center

We have the area’s top sleep medicine specialists with 9 convenient locations in Alexandria, Arlington, Bethesda, Chantilly, Dumfries, Germantown, Lansdowne, Manassas, and Woodbridge.

We are the only sleep center in the Washington, DC Metro area to provide on-site oral appliance therapy with our own team of dentists experienced in treating sleep apnea. Because OSA is a medical condition, the claim is filed through your medical insurance provider. Most medical insurances cover the cost (after your deductible or co-insurance is met). We offer no-interest flexible payment plans for patients with higher deductibles.

If you are interested in learning more about Oral Appliance Therapy, visit our website today. You can also email our Patient Care Coordinator, Marvin, at [email protected]. Call today to find a better and safer CPAP alternative treatment!