Sleep Apnea in Comox - Courtenay

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a potentially harmful health condition, and in some cases life-threatening. OSA occurs when the airway is completely or partially collapsing repeatedly while one sleeps and causes oxygen deprivation to the entire body. It happens when the muscles supporting the throat relax, obstructing the airway and causing sufferers to gasp, choke, and snore loudly. Essentially anyone afflicted with OSA is suffocating in their sleep. 

Disrupted sleep leaves individuals feeling tired and fatigued during the day. At Dr. Phil the Dentist, we screen for breathing disorders and collaborate with your physician to offer effective treatment options to alleviate sleep apnea symptoms, allowing you to enjoy restful and rejuvenating sleep.

Common Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Some of the common indicators of sleep apnea include:

  • Struggling to maintain sleep

  • Repeated waking to use the bathroom

  • Chronic tiredness

  • Unexpected weight gain

  • Decreased focus

  • Waking up with a parched mouth or throat

  • Suffering from morning headaches

  • Experiencing feelings of depression

Potential Health Risks

Snoring is often a sign of OSA but not proof of the condition. Diagnosis of OSA is ascertained through a sleep screening /study (done at home or at a sleep clinic) to record any sleep-breathing disorder /events throughout the night. The findings are interpreted by a physician, who then makes the official diagnosis.

 OSA has been linked to the following health risks:

  • High blood pressure

  • High cholesterol

  • Cancer

  • Diabetes

  • Headaches

  • Depression

  • Impotence

  • Fatigue and sleepiness,

  • Difficulty concentrating

  • Weight gain/difficulty losing weight

  • Loss of enjoyment of life

  • Death

 

Screening and Treatment Options in Comox Valley

Sleep apnea is a concern because it causes repeated disruptions in sleep patterns, with sufferers often waking up multiple times an hour without recollection. Left untreated, this condition can significantly affect both physical health and daily well-being. 

Dental care for snoring varies based on the root cause. Potential treatments include orthodontic care, jaw repositioning with bite appliances, and sleep therapy.


Dr. Nasralla of Dr. Phil the Dentist is highly trained to screen for sleep-breathing disorders and will work with your physician to best treat your condition based on the diagnosis and recommendations from your medical doctor. Screening for sleep apnea can be done through a sleep study performed in a sleep lab or at home using portable equipment. The study monitors patients' breathing patterns, brain activity, heart rate, and other key indicators while they sleep.