Sleep Apnea Doctors in Chicago: Advanced Treatment Options

Sleep apnea is a condition in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, often without the person being fully aware. In moderate to severe cases, this can happen 20 to 30 times per hour, reducing oxygen levels and placing stress on the body.

Each pause in breathing triggers the brain to briefly wake the body to restore airflow, disrupting normal sleep cycles. Over time, untreated sleep apnea can impact energy levels, concentration, and overall health.

At Get It Straight Orthodontics, we help patients seeking sleep apnea treatment in Chicago better understand their symptoms and explore effective, precision-driven solutions designed to support improved breathing and long-term health.

The following symptoms can indicate the presence of sleep apnea. If you notice one or more of these, contact our practice.

• Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
• Loud snoring at night
• Waking up at night, short of breath
• Snorting or choking sounds during the night (indicating a restart of breathing)
• Headaches upon waking in the morning
• Falling asleep unintentionally during the day
• Extreme drowsiness throughout the day

There are three categories of sleep apnea. The most common is called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and occurs due to a physical blockage, usually the collapsing of the soft tissue in the back of the throat.

Less common is central sleep apnea (CSA), in which breathing stops because the muscles involved don’t receive the proper signal from the brain. And some people suffer from “mixed” or “complex” sleep apnea, which is a combination of obstructive and central.

Obstructive sleep apnea is more common in males than females, and more common in older adults (40+) than younger adults and children. However, anyone, regardless of gender or age, can suffer from sleep apnea.

Other risk factors include obesity, smoking, drinking, use of sedatives or tranquilizers, and family history. Central sleep apnea strikes most often in people with heart disorders, neuromuscular disorders, strokes, or brain tumors.

Sleep apnea is considered a serious medical problem, and if left untreated, it can lead to high blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart failure and stroke. The ongoing state of fatigue caused by sleep apnea can lead to problems at work or school, as well as danger when driving or operating heavy machinery.

Sleep apnea can also cause complications with medication or surgery; sedation by anesthesia can be risky, as can lying flat in bed after an operation. If you know or suspect you suffer from sleep apnea, let your family doctor know before taking prescribed medication or having surgery.

Sleep apnea treatment in Chicago depends on the type and severity of the condition. As experienced sleep apnea doctors working alongside dental solutions, our team at Get It Straight Orthodontics takes a measured, precision-driven approach to identifying the most appropriate treatment for each patient. In some cases, treatment may begin with behavioural changes such as improving sleep position, weight management, or reducing lifestyle factors that contribute to airway obstruction.

For many patients, however, oral appliance therapy offers a highly effective, non-invasive solution. These custom devices are designed to reposition the jaw and keep the airway open during sleep. 

In more complex cases, we may work in collaboration with medical sleep apnea doctors and specialists in Chicago to ensure you receive the most appropriate care, which can include advanced therapies or surgical intervention where necessary.