Sleep Apnea
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Over 70 Centres
Decades
Tens of Thousands
Understanding Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a bit hard to be diagnosed, here even a person with sleep apnea wouldn’t be knowing that he has it. Even doctors too can’t identify this in the regular visit to the clinic. There is no blood test detect the issue.
No individual can recognize that they are having sleep apnea since it occurs only in the night time or during sleep. It can be identified only by the family member and your bed partner. Just because of your sleep apnea disorder, even their sleep too will be spoiled and they may be annoyed by the sound you make.
Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type of sleep apnea, where the airway or windpipe may get collapsed resulting in shallow breathing or pause in the breath which also makes the sound.
While breathing, the air which passes through the blockage area makes the loud sound or snoring. This sleep apnea disorder in Raleigh is more common in overweight people but it may affect anyone. If parents made a keen observation on their kids with enlarged tonsils in their throats will be affected by obstructive sleep apnea.
What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?
It’s said that one in 15 American adults suffer from sleep apnea, which comes out to about seven percent or almost 20 million people. But for sufferers, that doesn’t make dealing with sleep apnea any easier. In fact, up to 80 percent of people may have no idea that sleep apnea is disrupting their lives, and that makes it complicated to diagnose and help those that may have no idea what they’re even dealing with.
The good news is that with a sleep apnea diagnosis, you can finally get relief with sleep apnea services in Raleigh from a local TMJ expert, Dr. Charles Ferzli. But it all starts with the symptoms. If you’re suffering from loud snoring, breathing interruptions during sleep (ask a partner or family member), gasping for air during sleep, awakening during sleep with a dry mouth, headaches in the morning, insomnia or difficulty staying asleep, daytime sleepiness or hypersomnia, difficulty concentrating during the day or general irritability, you may be suffering from sleep apnea.
Historically, something as benign as snoring has been dismissed or even ridiculed, but today we know that snoring can represent a serious underlying health issue. While snoring may not be present in each person that is suffering from sleep apnea in Raleigh, it is a common symptom of sleep apnea. If you snore or have any of the other symptoms listed above, you may be dealing with sleep apnea without knowing it — and our Raleigh, NC practice can help!
Whether you have obstructive sleep apnea – the most common form of sleep apnea – or central sleep apnea, a less common form that is more about the signals sent from your brain not the kind of soft palate obstruction common with most sleep apnea disorders, you’ll need to seek out help. That’s because sleep apnea can obstruct your breathing dozens of times during the night, interrupting your sleep (even if you’re unaware) and cutting off oxygen to the brain.
While most people that we see for sleep apnea at our Raleigh, NC practice are adults, sleep apnea can affect anyone, even children, so it’s important to get any sleep apnea suspicion checked out.
Effects of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea should be treated at the earliest. If it is left untreated, it may lead to many problems. An untreated sleep apnea in Raleigh can lead to below mentioned problems which may be a risk to your life.
- The risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, obesity, and diabetes will increase
- Risk of heart failure increases
- Irregular heart-beats increases
- Chance of having work-related or driving accidents might increases
Treatments for Sleep Apnea in Raleigh
Sleep apnea is a reversible disorder and we treat the patients who are facing the problem. We can categories sleep apnea into 3 sections:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea
- Central Sleep Apnea
- Complex sleep apnea
Obstructive Sleep Apnea is the most common type of sleep apnea. Anyone can be affected by this type. It can be changed by changing the lifestyle and also by losing their weight for those who are overweight and also by proper medical treatments.
Central Sleep Apnea occurs when the brain fails to send proper signals to muscles which controls the breath. In this condition, CPAP or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure treatment helps the individual to breath properly at night without making any sort of noise. CPAP treatment is one such treatment where a machine is placed in the mask which an individual has to wear in the night while sleeping. The pressured air is sent inside through the nose and this pressure is bit more than the usual air pressure which is present outside. This treatment keeps the upper airways open, make you to breath properly avoiding apnea and stops snoring.
Individual who are having Complex sleep apnea need to undergo surgery like Tissue removal, Jaw repositioning, Implants and Tracheostomy(Creating a new air passageway).
Our Dr. Charles Ferzli and his team at TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of Raleigh-Durham treats all kind of Sleep apnea disorders making many people have a good sound sleep. If you or any of your family member or friend is facing any sleep apnea symptoms, kindly make an appointment with Dr. Ferzli for sleep apnea treatment in Raleigh at the earliest.
When To Seek This Treatment
Airway Collapse
Tongue Position
A retruded or small jaw reduces airway space and increases obstruction risk.
Low muscle tone allows tissues to collapse during sleep.
Excess Weight
Goals Of Treatment
Restore Healthy Breathing
Ensure the airway stays open during sleep to maintain oxygen flow and reduce nighttime interruptions.
Improve Sleep Quality
Help patients achieve deeper, more restful sleep so they wake feeling refreshed and alert.
Reduce Health Risks
Lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, and other conditions linked to untreated sleep apnea.
Provide Comfortable Solutions
Offer therapies patients can tolerate long-term, avoiding CPAP dependence and invasive surgery whenever possible.
Real Stories, Real Relief
At TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of Raleigh-Durham, we understand how life-changing it can be to finally find relief from TMJ pain and sleep-related issues. Our patients’ journeys are the true measure of our work, and their stories reflect the care, compassion, and lasting results we strive to provide every day.
Why Choose Us?
Why Traditional Methods Fail
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Low CPAP ComplianceMany patients struggle with masks and hoses, making long-term use difficult
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One-Size DevicesGeneric appliances may not reposition the jaw or tongue effectively
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Surgical RisksProcedures are invasive, carry risks, and don’t guarantee permanent results
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Symptom-Only FocusApproaches that don’t strengthen the airway often fail to maintain long-term improvements
Our Non Surgical Approach
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Custom Sleep AppliancesReposition the jaw and tongue to keep the airway open naturally during sleep
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Myofunctional TherapyStrengthen oral and airway muscles while encouraging nasal breathing
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Laser TherapyTighten soft tissues and reduce snoring without surgery
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Collaborative CareWork alongside sleep physicians when advanced testing or combined treatment is needed
Better Sleep, Better Health
Sleep apnea is more than snoring — it’s a serious condition that affects your health and quality of life. At the TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of Raleigh-Durham, we provide comfortable, non-surgical solutions that restore restful sleep and protect long-term health. Don’t wait — your best sleep is within reach.
Sleep Apnea & Whole-Body Health
Untreated sleep apnea doesn’t just cause poor sleep — it affects the entire body. Patients with sleep apnea are more likely to struggle with high blood pressure, weight gain, chronic fatigue, and impaired immune function. Treating sleep apnea helps restore energy, balance hormones, and reduce the risk of long-term disease.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea
Sleep Apnea is one of the specialized services we provide at the TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of Raleigh-Durham. Our focus is on identifying the root causes behind your symptoms and delivering safe, non-surgical solutions that support long-term health and comfort.
TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre
Global Expertise
As proud members of TMJ International, we are part of a global team dedicated to advancing collaborative care in TMJ disorders and sleep therapy. Together, we bring innovation, expertise, and compassionate treatment to help patients find lasting relief and a healthier quality of life.
