Sleep Apnea (Adults)

When Breathing Stops During Sleep

Sleep apnea affects millions worldwide, yet many don't realize they have this serious condition until a bed partner notices their breathing repeatedly stops during the night. If you wake up tired despite adequate sleep time, snore loudly, or experience morning headaches, you may have sleep apnea—a treatable condition that dramatically impacts health and quality of life.

At Rebis Health, our multidisciplinary team understands that sleep apnea is far more complex than "loud snoring." This condition affects every body system, from cardiovascular health to cognitive function. We don't just provide CPAP machines—we create comprehensive treatment plans addressing root causes and multiple pathways to better breathing and healthier sleep.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea occurs when normal breathing is repeatedly disrupted during sleep due to upper airway obstruction. These breathing interruptions (apneas) can happen dozens or hundreds of times nightly, preventing the deep, restorative sleep your body needs.

During each episode, oxygen levels drop while carbon dioxide rises. The brain briefly wakes you to restart breathing, though most people don't remember these awakenings. This cycle fragments sleep, preventing deep sleep stages necessary for physical and mental restoration.

In Colorado's Front Range and Rocky Mountains, altitude effects often worsen breathing difficulties and contribute to central sleep apnea complications requiring specialized treatment.

Types of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

Most common form occurring when throat muscles collapse and block the airway, creating loud snoring followed by silent breathing pauses.

Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)

Less common but more serious, occurring when the brain fails to signal breathing muscles. Particularly problematic at higher altitudes.

Complex Sleep Apnea

Combination of obstructive and central components requiring specialized treatment strategies.

Hidden Health Impact of Untreated Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea creates a cascade of health effects throughout the body. Repeated oxygen drops and sleep fragmentation trigger inflammatory processes affecting virtually every organ system.


    • High Blood Pressure: Up to 80% of people with treatment-resistant hypertension also have sleep apnea

    • Heart Rhythm Disorders: Significantly increases atrial fibrillation and other dangerous rhythm problems

    • Heart Attack and Stroke Risk: Inflammatory processes contribute to arterial plaque buildup

    • Heart Failure: Extra cardiac workload can eventually lead to heart failure

  • Sleep apnea disrupts glucose processing, making blood sugar control difficult. It significantly increases type 2 diabetes risk and interferes with appetite and metabolism hormones, making weight management challenging.

    • Memory and Concentration: Mental fog, difficulty concentrating or remembering information

    • Mood Disorders: Increased depression and anxiety risk from chronic fatigue

    • Accident Risk: Three times more likely to have motor vehicle accidents due to daytime sleepiness

  • Sleep apnea triggers chronic inflammation, weakening immune function and contributing to various health problems.

The Rebis Approach: Beyond CPAP Machines


We use Dr. David McCarty's Five Finger Approach to examine all factors contributing to sleep breathing difficulties.

Comprehensive Assessment

Airway Anatomy: Complete upper airway evaluation from nose to voice box

Sleep Patterns: Position-dependent breathing analysis

Nasal Function: Structural problems and breathing pattern assessment

Craniofacial Development:Jaw position and tongue space evaluation with dental specialists

Overall Health: Medical conditions, medications, and lifestyle factors affecting sleep

Advanced Sleep Testing

Home Sleep Testing (HST)

Convenient testing in your natural environment monitoring:

  • Airflow and breathing effort

  • Oxygen levels throughout the night

  • Heart rate and sleep position

  • Snoring patterns and intensity

Laboratory Sleep Studies

Comprehensive overnight monitoring including:

  • Complete brain wave analysis for sleep stages

  • Detailed breathing pattern assessment

  • Leg movement detection

  • Video monitoring for unusual behaviors

  • Cardiovascular monitoring

Personalized Treatment Strategies

  • Our CPAP clinic achieves industry-leading 82-85% adherence rates through:

    • Comprehensive Education: Understanding equipment importance and troubleshooting

    • Proper Fitting: Optimal mask setup for comfort and effectiveness

    • Remote Monitoring: Wireless data tracking to address problems early

    • Ongoing Support: Regular follow-ups for maximum benefit

  • Custom devices for CPAP-intolerant patients or mild-moderate sleep apnea:

    • Advance lower jaw to open airway

    • Position tongue preventing collapse

    • Improve airway stability during sleep


  • Coordination with experienced ENT surgeons for:

    • Nasal surgery improving breathing

    • Tonsil and adenoid removal when indicated

    • Soft tissue procedures reducing obstruction

    • Advanced procedures for severe cases


  • Maxillary Expansion: Creates tongue space and improves airway dimensions

    Myofunctional Therapy: Retrains tongue and throat muscles for proper function

    Tongue-Tie Release: Combined with therapy to improve tongue mobility


  • Advanced Testing: Inflammatory markers, hormone evaluation, nutritional assessment

    Natural Support: Anti-inflammatory nutrition, targeted supplementation, stress reduction

Lifestyle and Behavioral Interventions

Weight Management Support

Comprehensive support including nutritional counseling, metabolic assessment, and sustainable lifestyle changes.

Sleep Position Training

Strategies for maintaining side sleeping to improve positional sleep apnea.

Nasal Breathing Optimization

  • Nasal hygiene techniques

  • Allergy management

  • Breathing retraining exercises

  • Environmental modifications

Connection to Other Health Conditions

Diabetes: Bidirectional relationship requiring coordinated treatment

Depression: Often improves significantly with effective sleep apnea treatment

Cognitive Decline: Early treatment may help preserve cognitive function

Treatment Timeline and Expectations

First Week: Energy improvements and reduced morning symptoms

First Month: Significant sleep quality enhancement

3-6 Months: Cardiovascular benefits including blood pressure improvement

Long-term: Sustained health improvements including better diabetes control and mood

Frequently Asked Questions: Adult Sleep Apnea

  • Common signs include loud snoring, witnessed breathing pauses, excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, and concentration difficulty. Formal sleep study needed for diagnosis.

  • Not necessarily. Some patients transition to oral appliances or see improvements with weight loss or surgery.

  • Many initially struggling patients succeed with proper education and support. Alternatives include oral appliances or surgical options.

  • Weight loss significantly helps and may eliminate sleep apnea in some cases, but anatomical factors often require comprehensive evaluation.

  • Yes, significantly increases risk of heart attack, stroke, diabetes complications, and accidents from excessive sleepiness.

  • Highly accurate for diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea in high-probability patients. Lab studies better for complex cases.

  • Yes, often related to enlarged tonsils/adenoids or developmental issues. Early treatment important for proper growth.

  • Higher altitudes worsen sleep apnea by reducing oxygen and potentially triggering central apnea events.

  • Many patients see improvements in blood pressure, diabetes control, mood, and energy levels.

  • Our multidisciplinary team addresses sleep apnea from medical, dental, and integrative approaches, treating all contributing factors for comprehensive, lasting improvements.