Restful Sleep Begins With the Right Diagnosis

This sleep disorder causes you to wake up many times during the night, though you may not know it. This disrupts your sleep so you don’t get the rest and other benefits your body and brain need.

Although undiagnosed sleep apnea is common, the condition is highly treatable once identified. A Westchester County dentist can help you get an accurate diagnosis so you can receive care that restores your rest and protects your health. Please contact Westchester TMJ & Sleep Wellness today to learn what treatments might work for you.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea occurs when breathing repeatedly stops during sleep, causing oxygen shortages that strain the heart and disrupt rest. The two main types—obstructive and central—have different causes but similar risks. The obstructive form results from airway collapse during sleep, often linked to snoring, age, or obesity. The central form develops when the brain fails to signal the body to breathe, and some people experience a combination of both, known as complex cases.

  • Breathing pauses during sleep
  • Oxygen levels drop (hypoxia)
  • Loud snoring signals airway collapse
  • Common in older or overweight adults
  • Brain signal issues cause CSA
  • Mixed apnea combines both types
Sleep Apnea Assessment

Or Call (914) 594-6854

What Are the Risks?

Sleep apnea affects both mental and physical health by repeatedly interrupting sleep and reducing oxygen flow. This disruption can lead to serious complications and even increase the overall risk of death—up to six times higher than in those without the condition. It also impacts mood, relationships, and quality of life.

  • Raises risk of early death
  • Linked to heart and brain damage
  • Causes mood swings and depression
  • Impairs focus and daily function
  • Affects loved ones’ sleep
  • Lowers overall quality of life

Diagnosis

Sleep apnea is highly treatable but remains widely undiagnosed—up to 80% of cases go unnoticed. Recognizing symptoms early is key to getting proper testing and care. Common signs include daytime fatigue, headaches, and mood changes. Diagnosis requires a sleep study, which can now often be done at home. Westchester sleep dentist Dr. Wanda Mejia helps patients get accurate testing and effective treatment options.

  • Many cases go undiagnosed
  • Daytime sleepiness is common
  • Morning headaches or dry mouth
  • Mood changes and poor focus
  • Home sleep tests available
  • Accurate diagnosis leads to relief
Sleep Apnea Assessment

Or Call (914) 594-6854

Treatment

Sleep apnea can be managed through several effective treatments based on its severity and type. Options range from lifestyle changes to oral appliances, CPAP therapy, or, in some cases, surgery. While CPAP remains the standard, many patients find oral appliance therapy more comfortable and convenient. Lifestyle improvements like weight loss or sleep position changes can also support treatment success.

  • Multiple treatment options available
  • Lifestyle changes aid mild cases
  • Oral appliances reposition the jaw
  • CPAP keeps airway open during sleep
  • Surgery used only in select cases
  • Comfort and consistency affect success

Get Better Sleep in Westchester County

If you think you might have sleep apnea, let Westchester sleep dentist Dr. Wanda Mejia help. She can help you get a sleep study for an accurate diagnosis that can guide treatment. Then, if you are eligible, she can prescribe a CPAP alternative that is more comfortable and convenient, while being equally effective.

Please call (914) 594-6854 or use our online form today to request an appointment at Westchester TMJ & Sleep Wellness in Mohegan Lake, NY.

Get Started

Or Call (914) 594-6854

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

FAQs

Learn how to recognize, diagnose, and treat sleep apnea for better rest and overall health.

What causes sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea happens when your breathing repeatedly stops during sleep. This may occur because your airway collapses or because your brain stops sending signals to breathe.

Untreated sleep apnea can increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, and accidents. It also affects mood, focus, and quality of life.

Treatment depends on severity and type. Options include oral appliance therapy, CPAP, lifestyle changes, and in rare cases, surgery.

Yes! Dr. Wanda Mejia accepts medical insurance for sleep apnea treatment, including oral appliance therapy. Coverage varies by plan, but most medical insurance policies cover at least a portion of the treatment. Our team will help you verify your benefits, guide you through the process, and make accessing care as simple as possible.

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