Sleep apnea usually does not go away on its own, especially in adults. This sleep disorder causes your breathing to stop and start repeatedly during the night, often without you knowing. Over time, it can lead to serious health problems like high blood pressure and heart disease if left untreated.
The outcome depends on the type of sleep apnea, how severe it is, and how your body responds to treatment.
In this article, we’ll look at the different types of sleep apnea, common treatment options, and how some people manage or reduce symptoms over time.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a disorder that happens when your breathing stops while you sleep. These pauses can last for a few seconds or even minutes. They often cause you to wake up briefly—even if you don’t realize it. Over time, sleep apnea impacts the quality of your sleep and your overall health.
There are three main types of sleep apnea:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): This is the most common type. It happens when the soft tissue in the back of your throat relaxes too much and blocks the upper airway while you sleep.
- Central Sleep Apnea: This is less common. It occurs when your brain doesn’t send the right signals to the muscles that control breathing.
- Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome: Also called treatment-emergent central sleep apnea, this is a combination of both types.
Obstructive sleep apnea often causes the most concern because of its effect on the heart, brain, and other organs.
Sleep Apnea Symptoms
Many people don’t know they have sleep apnea. They may feel tired during the day but don’t know why.
Some of the most common sleep apnea symptoms include:
- Loud snoring
- Choking or gasping during sleep
- Morning headaches
- Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking
- Trouble focusing during the day
- Daytime fatigue
- Irritability or mood changes
- Waking up frequently at night
If you or your partner notice any of these signs, it’s important to talk with your doctor or dentist in Oak Park about getting tested.
Does Sleep Apnea Go Away on Its Own?
In some mild cases, sleep apnea can improve with lifestyle changes. But most people require ongoing sleep apnea treatment to manage the condition.
Whether sleep apnea goes away depends on a few key factors:
Weight Loss
Extra weight, especially around the neck, can press on the airway and worsen obstructive sleep apnea. If your sleep apnea is linked to your weight, losing weight may reduce or even eliminate symptoms. However, this isn’t guaranteed, and symptoms may return if weight is regained.
Lifestyle Changes
Simple changes can improve sleep apnea, including:
- Avoiding alcohol and sedatives
- Sleeping on your side instead of your back
- Treating nasal allergies
- Stopping smoking
These lifestyle changes don’t “cure” sleep apnea but can help manage its effects.
Age and Anatomy
In children, enlarged tonsils or adenoids often cause sleep apnea. In some cases, removing them can resolve the condition.
In adults, anatomical issues like a small jaw structure or a narrow upper airway are harder to change without surgery.
In short, obstructive sleep apnea rarely goes away completely in adults. It is considered a chronic condition that needs long-term management.
Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea
Managing sleep apnea involves keeping the airway open during sleep. Several proven treatments exist, and your plan depends on the type and severity of your condition.
CPAP Machine
A CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine is one of the most common treatments for moderate to severe OSA. It uses a mask to deliver steady air pressure, which keeps your upper airway open as you sleep.
CPAP therapy works well for many people, but some find it hard to tolerate. The mask may feel bulky or uncomfortable, especially at the beginning.
Oral Appliances
If you struggle with a CPAP machine, your dentist may suggest an oral appliance. These devices fit in your mouth like a night guard/oral appliance. They work by moving the lower jaw slightly forward, which helps keep your airway open.
Custom oral appliances are a good option for people with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. Unlike CPAP machines, they are small, portable, and quiet. At our dental office, we provide custom oral appliances that are designed to reduce airway blockage and improve sleep quality.
Lifestyle Changes
While not a cure, changes in daily habits can complement other sleep apnea treatments. Staying active, losing weight, and improving sleep hygiene may reduce the severity of symptoms.
Risks of Untreated Sleep Apnea
When left untreated, sleep apnea doesn’t just affect how rested you feel. It raises your risk for several serious health issues. Long-term effects may include:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Stroke
- Memory problems
- Workplace and driving accidents due to fatigue
Even if your symptoms aren’t severe, ongoing airway blockage during sleep can strain your body over time. Getting the right treatment can help you avoid these complications.
Managing Sleep Apnea With Your Dentist’s Help
Dentists who specialize in sleep apnea can play an important role in your treatment. If you are diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea and cannot tolerate a CPAP machine, a custom oral appliance may be an effective alternative.
Here are a few benefits of using an oral appliance made by your dentist:
- It’s custom fit for your bite.
- It supports your jaw in a forward position, reducing airway collapse.
- It is easy to wear and maintain.
- It works well for patients with mild to moderate OSA.
Our office offers professionally made oral appliances that are tailored to your mouth’s shape. We’ll work with a sleep specialist to 1.) ensure proper diagnosis of sleep apnea and 2.) ensure the appliance meets your treatment needs.
Does Sleep Apnea Go Away After Treatment?
Sleep apnea itself usually doesn’t go away, but the symptoms can improve with ongoing treatment. Think of sleep apnea like high blood pressure—it doesn’t go away, but it can be managed with the right tools.
If your case is mild, lifestyle changes or weight loss may reduce symptoms enough that you no longer need a device. In most cases, though, people benefit from staying on a long-term treatment plan.
Early treatment is the best way to improve your sleep and protect your health.
What You Can Do—Starting Tonight
So, does sleep apnea go away?
In most adults, obstructive sleep apnea does not go away completely. It is a chronic condition that requires long-term care. But with the right treatment—like a CPAP machine, oral appliances, or lifestyle changes—you can manage your symptoms and lower the risk of serious health problems.
If you suspect you have sleep apnea or are looking for alternatives to CPAP therapy, talk to your dentist about oral appliances. A custom oral appliance may help you breathe more easily and sleep more deeply.
Getting diagnosed and treated is the first step toward better sleep and better health.