During sleep, the throat muscles relax. The base of the tongue, the uvula, and the soft palate then narrow the airway. When the airway narrows, the air causes these tissues to vibrate: this is snoring. When the airway closes completely, breathing stops: this is apnea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These breathing pauses recur throughout the night and fragment sleep, making it less restorative. Doctors refer to this as obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). Hypopnea refers to a significant reduction in breathing, without a complete pause.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/cabinet-dentaire-nguyen-van-duong.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/apnee-du-sommeil-ronflement-couple.webp\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nNot all people who snore have sleep apnea. However, loud, daily snoring is one of the warning signs to watch for, especially if it\u2019s accompanied by fatigue.<\/p>\n\n
What signs should raise a red flag?<\/h2>\n\n
Some signs may seem harmless. However, if people around you notice pauses in your breathing, you should talk to a doctor about it, even if you have no other symptoms. A combination of several signs should also raise a red flag.<\/p>\n\n
![\"Sleep](\"https:\/\/cabinet-dentaire-nguyen-van-duong.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/pictogramme-lune-signes-nuit-apnee-trait-fin.webp\")
At night<\/h3>\n\n\n- loud snoring, almost every night;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- pauses in your breathing, noticed by your bed partner;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- frequent awakenings, sometimes with a feeling of suffocation;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- the need to get up to urinate;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- night sweats.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
![\"Sleep](\"https:\/\/cabinet-dentaire-nguyen-van-duong.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/pictogramme-soleil-signes-jour-apnee-trait-fin.webp\")
The Day<\/h3>\n\n\n- feeling tired as soon as you wake up, as if you hadn’t slept well;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- a desire to sleep during the day, or even falling asleep during quiet moments;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- headaches in the morning;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- difficulty concentrating or remembering things;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- irritability or mood swings;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- sexual dysfunction.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
Why not leave it untreated?<\/h2>\n\n
Sleep that\u2019s interrupted all night long isn\u2019t restful. In everyday life, drowsiness and reduced alertness increase the risk of accidents, both on the road and at work. Difficulty concentrating and mood disorders also take a toll on your personal and professional life. Finally, snoring can disturb the person sharing your room.<\/p>\n\n
In the long term, untreated sleep apnea is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. It can also contribute to heart rhythm disorders.<\/p>\n\n
Appropriate treatment aims to reduce breathing pauses and drowsiness, and to improve fatigue and quality of life.<\/p>\n\n
How is the diagnosis made?<\/h2>\n\n
Only a doctor can make the diagnosis. If any of these symptoms concern you, talk to your primary care physician first. They will assess your symptoms and your sleepiness, and then refer you to a sleep specialist if necessary.<\/p>\n\n
The diagnosis is based on a recording of your breathing during the night: ventilatory polygraphy or, if necessary, the more comprehensive polysomnography. The recording helps confirm or rule out the diagnosis and assess its severity based on the number of apneas and hypopneas per hour. Ventilatory polygraphy is based on the duration of the recording; polysomnography is based on the duration of sleep.<\/p>\n\n
Your dentist does not make this diagnosis. However, you can discuss it during your next appointment at the office.<\/p>\n\n
What are the treatment options?<\/h2>\n\n
The treatment is chosen by the sleep specialist based on the severity of the apnea and your specific situation. There are several treatment options, which are sometimes used in combination.<\/p>\n\n
![\"Sleep](\"https:\/\/cabinet-dentaire-nguyen-van-duong.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/pictogramme-hygiene-de-vie-apnee-trait-fin.webp\")
Healthy Lifestyle Practices<\/h3>\n\n
These measures can be used as part of the treatment plan. Depending on the medical evaluation, they may be sufficient for certain mild cases:<\/p>\n\n
\n- lose weight if you are overweight;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- engage in regular physical activity;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption, especially in the evening;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- maintain a regular sleep schedule;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- sleep on your side rather than on your back.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
![\"Sleep](\"https:\/\/cabinet-dentaire-nguyen-van-duong.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/pictogramme-masque-ppc-apnee-trait-fin.webp\")
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)<\/h3>\n\n
A small device delivers air at low pressure through a mask worn at night. This air helps keep the airways open and reduce breathing pauses.<\/p>\n\n
![\"Sleep](\"https:\/\/cabinet-dentaire-nguyen-van-duong.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/pictogramme-orthese-avancee-mandibulaire-trait-fin.webp\")
The Mandibular Advancement Appliance<\/h3>\n\n
It consists of two custom-made mouthpieces, worn at night, that hold the lower jaw in a forward position. The tongue moves forward with it, allowing air to flow more freely. Prescribed by a sleep medicine specialist, it is fitted and monitored by a dentist. It is custom-made in a laboratory; at the dental office, Dr. Victor Zilioli oversees its fitting and follow-up. How it works and the steps involved are detailed on the Mandibular Advancement Appliance<\/a> page.<\/p>\n\n![\"Sleep](\"https:\/\/cabinet-dentaire-nguyen-van-duong.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/pictogramme-chirurgie-trait-fin.webp\")
Surgery<\/h3>\n\n
In certain situations, surgery may be considered depending on the anatomy of the airways and the results of other treatments. Whether surgery is indicated is determined by a medical evaluation.<\/p>\n\n
Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea<\/h2>\n\n\nDoes snoring always mean sleep apnea?<\/h4>
The Day<\/h3>\n\n\n- feeling tired as soon as you wake up, as if you hadn’t slept well;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- a desire to sleep during the day, or even falling asleep during quiet moments;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- headaches in the morning;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- difficulty concentrating or remembering things;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- irritability or mood swings;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- sexual dysfunction.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
Why not leave it untreated?<\/h2>\n\n
Sleep that\u2019s interrupted all night long isn\u2019t restful. In everyday life, drowsiness and reduced alertness increase the risk of accidents, both on the road and at work. Difficulty concentrating and mood disorders also take a toll on your personal and professional life. Finally, snoring can disturb the person sharing your room.<\/p>\n\n
In the long term, untreated sleep apnea is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. It can also contribute to heart rhythm disorders.<\/p>\n\n
Appropriate treatment aims to reduce breathing pauses and drowsiness, and to improve fatigue and quality of life.<\/p>\n\n
How is the diagnosis made?<\/h2>\n\n
Only a doctor can make the diagnosis. If any of these symptoms concern you, talk to your primary care physician first. They will assess your symptoms and your sleepiness, and then refer you to a sleep specialist if necessary.<\/p>\n\n
The diagnosis is based on a recording of your breathing during the night: ventilatory polygraphy or, if necessary, the more comprehensive polysomnography. The recording helps confirm or rule out the diagnosis and assess its severity based on the number of apneas and hypopneas per hour. Ventilatory polygraphy is based on the duration of the recording; polysomnography is based on the duration of sleep.<\/p>\n\n
Your dentist does not make this diagnosis. However, you can discuss it during your next appointment at the office.<\/p>\n\n
What are the treatment options?<\/h2>\n\n
The treatment is chosen by the sleep specialist based on the severity of the apnea and your specific situation. There are several treatment options, which are sometimes used in combination.<\/p>\n\n
Healthy Lifestyle Practices<\/h3>\n\n
These measures can be used as part of the treatment plan. Depending on the medical evaluation, they may be sufficient for certain mild cases:<\/p>\n\n
\n- lose weight if you are overweight;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- engage in regular physical activity;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption, especially in the evening;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- maintain a regular sleep schedule;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- sleep on your side rather than on your back.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)<\/h3>\n\n
A small device delivers air at low pressure through a mask worn at night. This air helps keep the airways open and reduce breathing pauses.<\/p>\n\n
The Mandibular Advancement Appliance<\/h3>\n\n
It consists of two custom-made mouthpieces, worn at night, that hold the lower jaw in a forward position. The tongue moves forward with it, allowing air to flow more freely. Prescribed by a sleep medicine specialist, it is fitted and monitored by a dentist. It is custom-made in a laboratory; at the dental office, Dr. Victor Zilioli oversees its fitting and follow-up. How it works and the steps involved are detailed on the Mandibular Advancement Appliance<\/a> page.<\/p>\n\nSurgery<\/h3>\n\n
In certain situations, surgery may be considered depending on the anatomy of the airways and the results of other treatments. Whether surgery is indicated is determined by a medical evaluation.<\/p>\n\n
Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea<\/h2>\n\n\nDoes snoring always mean sleep apnea?<\/h4>
Why not leave it untreated?<\/h2>\n\n
Sleep that\u2019s interrupted all night long isn\u2019t restful. In everyday life, drowsiness and reduced alertness increase the risk of accidents, both on the road and at work. Difficulty concentrating and mood disorders also take a toll on your personal and professional life. Finally, snoring can disturb the person sharing your room.<\/p>\n\n
In the long term, untreated sleep apnea is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. It can also contribute to heart rhythm disorders.<\/p>\n\n
Appropriate treatment aims to reduce breathing pauses and drowsiness, and to improve fatigue and quality of life.<\/p>\n\n
How is the diagnosis made?<\/h2>\n\n
Only a doctor can make the diagnosis. If any of these symptoms concern you, talk to your primary care physician first. They will assess your symptoms and your sleepiness, and then refer you to a sleep specialist if necessary.<\/p>\n\n
The diagnosis is based on a recording of your breathing during the night: ventilatory polygraphy or, if necessary, the more comprehensive polysomnography. The recording helps confirm or rule out the diagnosis and assess its severity based on the number of apneas and hypopneas per hour. Ventilatory polygraphy is based on the duration of the recording; polysomnography is based on the duration of sleep.<\/p>\n\n
Your dentist does not make this diagnosis. However, you can discuss it during your next appointment at the office.<\/p>\n\n
What are the treatment options?<\/h2>\n\n
The treatment is chosen by the sleep specialist based on the severity of the apnea and your specific situation. There are several treatment options, which are sometimes used in combination.<\/p>\n\n
Healthy Lifestyle Practices<\/h3>\n\n
These measures can be used as part of the treatment plan. Depending on the medical evaluation, they may be sufficient for certain mild cases:<\/p>\n\n
- \n
- lose weight if you are overweight;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- engage in regular physical activity;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption, especially in the evening;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- maintain a regular sleep schedule;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- sleep on your side rather than on your back.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\nContinuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)<\/h3>\n\n
A small device delivers air at low pressure through a mask worn at night. This air helps keep the airways open and reduce breathing pauses.<\/p>\n\n
The Mandibular Advancement Appliance<\/h3>\n\nIt consists of two custom-made mouthpieces, worn at night, that hold the lower jaw in a forward position. The tongue moves forward with it, allowing air to flow more freely. Prescribed by a sleep medicine specialist, it is fitted and monitored by a dentist. It is custom-made in a laboratory; at the dental office, Dr. Victor Zilioli oversees its fitting and follow-up. How it works and the steps involved are detailed on the Mandibular Advancement Appliance<\/a> page.<\/p>\n\n
Surgery<\/h3>\n\nIn certain situations, surgery may be considered depending on the anatomy of the airways and the results of other treatments. Whether surgery is indicated is determined by a medical evaluation.<\/p>\n\n
Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea<\/h2>\n\n
\nDoes snoring always mean sleep apnea?<\/h4>