Waking up gasping for air at night may be more than a restless moment—it could be a sign of sleep apnea, a common but serious condition that disrupts healthy breathing patterns during sleep. Many residents in New Hanover County experience sleep apnea without realizing it, often mistaking their symptoms for simple fatigue or snoring. When your airway becomes blocked, your body momentarily wakes to restore airflow, sometimes hundreds of times each night. These interruptions prevent you from reaching deep, restorative rest and can affect your long-term health if left untreated.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that causes repeated pauses in breathing or periods of shallow breathing during sleep. These interruptions can last just a few seconds but may occur hundreds of times per night, dramatically affecting oxygen levels in the blood. The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), happens when the airway becomes physically blocked during sleep, restricting airflow to the lungs.

Many people with sleep apnea don’t realize they have it until a partner notices the signs. Waking up gasping for air is one of the most common symptoms, but several others can point to disrupted breathing during sleep.

Yes. Frequent pauses in breathing reduce oxygen levels, which can cause blood vessel changes that trigger headaches. Many patients with untreated sleep apnea wake up with dull or throbbing headaches that improve as the day goes on.

Even if you spend eight hours in bed, sleep apnea prevents you from reaching deep, restorative stages of sleep. The constant cycle of waking to breathe leaves your body exhausted, leading to daytime fatigue, poor concentration, and irritability.

Frequent nighttime urination, known as nocturia, is another overlooked sign of sleep apnea. Each time your body struggles for air, it releases hormones that increase urine production, causing you to wake up multiple times to use the bathroom.

People with sleep apnea often breathe through their mouth at night because of restricted airflow through the nose or throat. This mouth breathing causes dryness or soreness upon waking.

Untreated sleep apnea does more than interrupt your rest—it can seriously impact your health. Repeated drops in oxygen put strain on your heart and increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and weight challenges. Addressing sleep apnea early can help restore healthy sleep, improve mood and energy, and protect your long-term well-being.

Sleep Apnea Treatment in New Hanover County

If you or your partner notice signs of sleep apnea—such as gasping for air, snoring, or waking up tired—it’s important to know that help is available close to home. A dentist in New Hanover County trained in dental sleep medicine can provide safe, effective solutions that restore your ability to breathe and rest comfortably through the night.

Instead of relying solely on a CPAP machine, many patients benefit from oral appliance therapy. This custom-made device fits comfortably in your mouth while you sleep and works by gently repositioning your jaw and tongue to keep your airway open. Unlike CPAP, an oral appliance is small, quiet, and easy to travel with—making it a convenient option for treating mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea.

Your dentist will carefully evaluate your symptoms, review any sleep study results you may have, and design a personalized treatment plan that fits your needs. The goal is simple: to help you breathe naturally, sleep soundly, and wake up refreshed each morning.

Start Sleeping and Breathing Better

If you often wake up gasping for air or feel tired no matter how long you sleep, it’s time to take the next step. Schedule a consultation for sleep apnea treatment in New Hanover County today and discover how a comfortable, custom dental appliance can help you enjoy deeper, more restorative rest and better overall health.