CarolinasDentist Blog

Sleep Apnea Affects More Than Your Sleep

Do you find that you have trouble sleeping? One in five American adults have a sleep disorder called sleep apnea. But this is a sleep disorder that affects more than just your sleep. Read on to learn about the risks associated with sleep apnea and how CarolinasDentist can help improve your sleep quality.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

First, let’s explain what this sleep disorder is. Sleep apnea is a disorder in which a person’s breathing is repeatedly interrupted throughout their sleep. These interruptions can occur hundreds of times, cutting off oxygen from getting to the brain that many times in one night. In obstructive sleep apnea, the pause in breathing is caused by the soft tissue in a person’s airway collapsing, blocking air from reaching their lungs. Among other factors, conditions such as having a large tongue, being obese, having gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), or having weak muscles in your airway can cause obstructed breathing. Some people remember waking up throughout the night, but sometimes these pauses in breathing are so slight that you may not notice any effects until the next morning.

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?

Signs and symptoms of this sleep disorder can be broken into those that occur during the night when you’re asleep, and those that occur during the day as a result of your breathing having been obstructed throughout the night:

Nighttime

  • A restless night of sleep
  • Loud snoring
  • Pauses in breathing that you or a loved one may notice
  • Frequent trips to the bathroom
  • Waking up gasping for air

Daytime

  • Headaches in the morning
  • Lack of energy during the day
  • Weight gain
  • Lack of ability to concentrate
  • A dry or sore throat
  • Daytime sleepiness while doing routine things like driving
  • Being irritable or forgetful

What Are the Risks Associated with Sleep Apnea?

If left untreated, there are a number of serious risks associated with sleep apnea, including:

  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Depression
  • Worsening of existing ADHD
  • Heart disease
  • Other heart-related issues such as an irregular heartbeat, a heart attack, or stroke
  • Underachievement at work and in school
  • Three times greater likelihood of getting into a car accident

What Is the Treatment for Sleep Apnea?

CPAP: Continuous Positive Airway Pressure

CPAP is a sleep apnea treatment in which you wear a mask over your nose and mouth while you sleep to regulate your breathing and keep your airways open. However, CPAP can be invasive and uncomfortable, and may not be ideal for those with mild to moderate sleep apnea.

Oral Appliance Therapy

At CarolinasDentist, we offer oral appliance therapy as an alternative to CPAP. With oral appliance therapy, we provide you with a removable appliance similar to a retainer or night guard. The appliance repositions your jaw and stabilizes your tongue so that your airway stays open, thus improving your airflow and quality of sleep.

Contact Us for Better Sleep!

If you think you have sleep apnea, contact us today and we’ll set up a appointment to fit you with a custom mouthpiece.

Contact Us

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Andrew Callender

Andrew Callender

Regional Director of Operations

Andrew Callender was born and raised in Denver, Colorado, and serves as one of our Regional Directors of Operations at CarolinasDentist, focusing on our Western NC and Charlotte regions. He joined the leadership team in 2025 and earned his degree from Western Colorado University. Andrew brings over 12 years of experience in dentistry, including more than 10 years of progressive leadership in healthcare operations and three years serving as a Regional Director of Operations. He relocated to North Carolina in 2023 and has quickly made an impact across the region.

Andrew is passionate about delivering outstanding patient care through operational excellence. He is committed to fostering an environment that aligns with CarolinasDentist’s values and culture while leveraging diverse perspectives and experiences to support team success and growth. His leadership style is rooted in collaboration, consistency, and continuous improvement.

Outside of work, Andrew enjoys spending time with his wife and their four children. He’s an avid golfer and also enjoys walking his lab, Harper—making the most of his time outdoors with family and fresh air.

Nate Bunyak

Nate Bunyak

Regional Director of Operations

Nate Bunyak brings a little bit of Pittsburgh grit and a whole lot of energy to everything he does. He is one of the Regional Director of Operations at CarolinasDentist focusing on our Triangle region, joining the team in 2026. Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Nate graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) with a degree in Marketing and Management—and has been putting both to work ever since. Three years ago, he traded in steel city winters for North Carolina sunshine—and hasn’t looked back.

When he’s not working, Nate is all about family life with his wife, Melissa, and their three kids—Bryce, Molly, and Connor. Whether cheering on their activities, exploring the outdoors, or simply embracing the joyful chaos of a busy household, he makes the most of every moment with his family.

An avid hiker and nature enthusiast, Nate loves adventures that combine fresh air, beautiful views, and lasting memories. That same adventurous, positive spirit carries into his work—he’s driven, all-in, and always ready to take on what’s next.

Jenna Holland

Jenna Holland

Regional Hygiene Director

Jenna Holland is a Fayetteville native and serves as Regional Hygiene Director, joining the leadership team in 2026. She began her career with CarolinasDentist in June 2016 as a dental hygienist in the Fayetteville office after graduating from Fayetteville Technical Community College. Over the years, she has grown within the organization, building strong relationships with both patients and team members while staying rooted in her passion for patient care.

Jenna is deeply committed to promoting overall well-being through oral health and believes in the powerful connection between a healthy smile and a healthy body. In her leadership role, she especially loves mentoring and coaching hygienists, helping them grow in confidence, strengthen their clinical skills, and develop into exceptional providers. She takes pride in supporting her team and fostering an environment of continuous learning and encouragement.

Her best advice for patients is simple: stay consistent with routine check-ups and cleanings to maintain optimal health. Outside of the office, Jenna enjoys traveling—especially to warm, tropical destinations—and is engaged to her high school sweetheart, adding a personal touch to her passion for caring for others.

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