Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment
in St. Louis MO
Learn about Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Snoring. It’s important to your health, or to the health of someone you care about. We can help find the best solution for you.
Millions of Americans struggle with loud snoring, restless nights, and persistent daytime fatigue without realizing that an obstructed airway may be at the root of their symptoms. If you or someone you care about wakes feeling unrefreshed, snores loudly, or feels excessively tired throughout the day, undiagnosed sleep apnea may be the reason. At Gateway Center for Sleep Apnea and TMJ Therapy in St. Louis, we focus on identifying and treating the airway problems that lead to Obstructive Sleep Apnea and chronic snoring. Our goal is to help every patient breathe easier, sleep better, and enjoy a higher quality of life.
Quality sleep is fundamental for long term health. Without it, you may struggle with memory issues, lowered productivity, mood changes, or difficulty concentrating. Treating sleep apnea not only improves nightly rest but can also positively impact cardiovascular, metabolic, and emotional health.
What Happens During Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive Sleep Apnea occurs when the muscles in the throat relax excessively during sleep. As the tongue, soft palate, and surrounding tissues lose tension, they can shift backward and narrow the airway. When airflow becomes restricted or completely blocked, oxygen levels fall. The brain reacts immediately to this drop by sending a signal that forces a brief awakening.
These awakenings are usually not remembered, but each one disrupts the sleep cycle. The body startles just enough to tighten the throat muscles and reopen the airway so breathing can resume. Once normal airflow returns, the person falls back asleep, but the tissues relax again and the cycle repeats. For some individuals, this happens only a few times per night. For others, it may happen dozens of times each hour.
This repeated pattern prevents the body from reaching and maintaining deep, restorative stages of sleep. These stages are essential for tissue repair, memory processing, immune strength, hormone balance, and cardiovascular protection. Without them, the body remains stressed and overworked. Many patients experience morning headaches, difficulty focusing, irritability, and overwhelming daytime sleepiness as a result.
Low oxygen levels also place strain on the heart. Over time, untreated sleep apnea is linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke risk, and metabolic disorders. Some patients subconsciously clench or grind their teeth when struggling for breath, which can contribute to jaw pain, worn teeth, and TMJ problems.
Although the symptoms can be disruptive, many people are unaware they have sleep apnea because the awakenings are brief. A partner may notice loud snoring, choking, or gasping sounds during the night, which often point to airway collapse. Understanding this cycle is the first step toward receiving the right treatment and restoring healthy sleep.
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Snoring and Airway Restriction
Snoring is extremely common, affecting about 67 percent of adults. While snoring itself is not always dangerous, it is often a sign that the airway is narrowing during sleep. Snoring noise occurs when air is forced through a smaller opening in the throat, causing soft tissues to vibrate. This sound can reach levels similar to a lawnmower or jackhammer, disrupting sleep for both the individual and their partner.
Chronic snoring may indicate an increased risk of airway obstruction, especially if paired with daytime fatigue, morning headaches, or observed pauses in breathing. Addressing snoring early helps prevent long term complications and improves sleep quality for everyone in the household.
Why Healthy Sleep Matters
Healthy sleep plays a vital role in physical and emotional well being. When sleep is constantly interrupted by apnea events, the body experiences elevated stress hormones, reduced oxygen supply, and incomplete sleep cycles. Over time, this can contribute to:
- High blood pressure
- Increased risk of heart disease
- Memory and concentration problems
- Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
- Mood disorders such as anxiety or depression
- Chronic daytime fatigue and low productivity
Studies show that sleep deprivation contributes to billions of dollars in lost workplace productivity and is a major factor in thousands of vehicle accidents each year. Improving sleep is one of the most important steps you can take for long term health and safety.
How Can We Help You?
I hate
my CPAP
I can’t sleep
at night
I wake up
tired
I fall asleep
during the day
If You Struggle With CPAP
CPAP therapy is a common treatment for sleep apnea, but many people find it difficult to tolerate. Masks may feel uncomfortable, airflow may feel overwhelming, and sleep may become disrupted rather than restored. If you have tried multiple masks or pressure settings and still cannot adjust, other solutions are available.
We offer custom oral appliance therapy as a comfortable alternative to CPAP. These appliances reposition the jaw and tongue to keep the airway open naturally during sleep. They are small, quiet, travel friendly, and tailored to your bite, jaw structure, and airway needs. For many patients, oral appliances provide relief without the challenges of CPAP.
If You Cannot Sleep at Night
Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep may be a sign that your airway is narrowing and causing stress inside your body. Each time your airway collapses, your brain releases adrenaline and cortisol to force the next breath. This prevents you from relaxing deeply enough to stay asleep.
If your nights are restless, schedule a consultation or complete our sleep apnea risk quiz. Identifying the root cause of your sleep issues can help restore comfort and peace at night.
If You Wake Up Tired
Waking up tired, regardless of how long you sleep, is a common sign of untreated sleep apnea. Because the body repeatedly wakes to reopen the airway, you never reach the deeper stages of sleep that provide true rest. This often leads to chronic exhaustion, morning fogginess, and difficulty functioning throughout the day.
Evaluating your airway and sleep patterns allows us to determine whether sleep apnea may be preventing restorative rest.
If You Fall Asleep During the Day
Daytime sleepiness, unplanned naps, or trouble staying awake during work, conversations, or driving can signal that your sleep is being repeatedly interrupted at night. Even if you do not remember waking, your body may be fighting for breath for hours at a time.
With proper diagnosis and treatment, many patients experience significant improvements in alertness, mood, and overall energy.
What a great experience! EVERY ONE was so friendly and kind. It’s so wonderful that Dr. Postol takes real one on one time for each patient. It makes you feel comfortable and heard. I appreciated that so much!
Sasha R.
Take the Next Step Toward Better Sleep
Dr. Kevin F. Postol and our team at Gateway Center for Sleep Apnea and TMJ Therapy are dedicated to helping patients breathe clearly and sleep comfortably. Whether you struggle with snoring, suspect sleep apnea, or need a CPAP alternative, we provide personalized solutions designed around your unique airway and lifestyle.
Contact our St. Louis office today to schedule your consultation and begin your path to healthier, more restorative sleep.
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1338 Big Bend Road
Twin Oaks, MO 63021
