Answering the Common Questions on Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea isn’t just about snoring—it’s a serious health condition that can quietly wreak havoc on your body. From fatigue to more severe complications like high blood pressure and heart rhythm disorders, understanding the root causes of sleep apnea is critical. At Dillon Family Dentistry, conveniently located near Rosemont, PA, we specialize in diagnosing and treating sleep apnea with personalized, non-invasive solutions that improve not just sleep, but your overall health.

What Causes Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. There are two main types:

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): Caused by physical blockage of the airway.
• Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): Caused by the brain failing to send proper signals to breathing muscles.
  

So, what causes sleep apnea in the first place? Here are some common and surprising culprits:

• Obesity and excess weight
• Family history of sleep apnea
• Enlarged tonsils or adenoids
• Smoking and alcohol use
• Hormonal disorders (like hypothyroidism)
• Sleeping position

For central sleep apnea specifically, neurological issues and heart conditions are major contributors.

Can Sleep Apnea Cause High Blood Pressure?

Absolutely. One of the most dangerous side effects of untreated sleep apnea is hypertension. When your breathing stops during sleep, your oxygen levels drop. This causes your heart to work harder, increasing blood pressure. If you’ve ever wondered, “Can sleep apnea cause high blood pressure?”, the answer is yes—and it’s one of the reasons why early diagnosis is crucial.

📞 Schedule a consultation with us to see how we can help manage both your sleep apnea and its cardiovascular impact.

Can Sleep Apnea Cause Weight Gain?

It’s a vicious cycle. Can sleep apnea cause weight gain? Yes. Poor sleep disrupts hormones like leptin and ghrelin, which control hunger and satiety. Sleep-deprived individuals are more likely to crave high-calorie, carb-heavy foods. Weight gain, in turn, increases the risk of obstructive sleep apnea.

At Dillon Family Dentistry, we offer oral appliance therapy that can improve sleep quality and help support your weight management goals. Learn more about our sleep apnea therapy options.

Can Hypertension Cause Sleep Apnea?

Interestingly, the relationship works both ways. While sleep apnea can lead to high blood pressure, there’s growing research suggesting that hypertension can cause sleep apnea, particularly central sleep apnea. High blood pressure can interfere with the brain’s ability to regulate breathing during sleep.

Regular dental visits at our Bryn Mawr office include screenings for airway obstruction—an important step in catching sleep apnea early.

Can Sleep Apnea Cause Seizures?

Yes, in some cases. Sleep apnea causes fluctuating oxygen levels, which can affect the brain’s electrical activity. For patients with epilepsy, untreated sleep apnea may trigger seizures or make seizure disorders harder to manage.

Does Sleep Apnea Cause AFib?

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a heart rhythm disorder linked strongly to sleep apnea. Multiple studies confirm that people with untreated sleep apnea are more likely to develop AFib, due to repeated oxygen desaturation and increased pressure on the cardiovascular system.

If you’re asking, “does sleep apnea cause AFib?”, the science says yes—and your dentist can help you screen for signs you may be missing.

Can Acid Reflux Cause Sleep Apnea?

Chronic acid reflux, or GERD, can contribute to sleep apnea by irritating the airways and increasing the likelihood of airway collapse during sleep. Can acid reflux cause sleep apnea? It sure can, and treating both conditions simultaneously can make a big difference in quality of life.

Can Asthma, PTSD, or Stress Cause Sleep Apnea?

Surprisingly, yes. All three of these conditions can either exacerbate existing sleep apnea or contribute to its development:

• Can asthma cause sleep apnea? Inflammation and airway resistance from asthma may worsen OSA.
• Can PTSD cause sleep apnea? PTSD sufferers often experience disrupted sleep and anxiety, both of which increase sleep apnea risk.
• Can stress cause sleep apnea? Chronic stress can lead to poor sleep hygiene, weight gain, and increased muscle tension—all risk factors for sleep apnea.
  

How Your Dentist nearby Rosemont, PA Can Help

At Dillon Family Dentistry, we offer custom-made oral appliances as a comfortable alternative to CPAP machines. These devices reposition the jaw to keep the airway open, reducing snoring and sleep disturbances.

Whether you’re in Rosemont, Bryn Mawr, or surrounding Main Line communities, our dental sleep medicine expertise means you don’t have to suffer through poor sleep or risk-related health conditions. And we’re not just about treatment—we’re here to educate, empower, and partner with you for lasting health.

💡 Did you know? We’re one of the few practices on the Main Line offering conservative, dentist-led solutions for sleep apnea without surgery or CPAP.

Take the First Step Toward Better Sleep

Sleep apnea is more than an inconvenience—it’s a silent threat to your health. But the good news? Relief is possible, and it starts with a visit to your local dentist.

📍Book your sleep apnea consultation with Dillon Family Dentistry today:
📞 Call Joanne at 610-525-5497
🔗 Contact us here