New NYC Law Has Everyone Talking About Sleep

New York City recently passed a law offering free sleep apnea screenings and at-home tests to residents—a move designed to raise awareness about a condition that affects millions but often goes undiagnosed. Even though the law only applies in NYC, the message is universal: sleep apnea is more common and more serious than many people realize. Left untreated, sleep apnea can affect not just your sleep but also your long-term health.

Keep reading to learn what to look for and how we can help you get the answers you need.

Sleep Apnea Can Go Unnoticed for Years

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the airway becomes blocked during sleep, causing you to stop breathing temporarily. These pauses can happen dozens or even hundreds of times a night, disrupting your rest and straining your body without you ever fully waking up. Many patients don’t realize they have sleep apnea until a partner mentions loud snoring or choking sounds or the fatigue, brain fog, or morning headaches become impossible to ignore.

Signs to Watch For

With awareness, education, and vigilance, dentists, orthodontists, medical professionals, patients, and partners can minimize the most harmful consequences of sleep apnea with testing, diagnosis, and treatment. It starts by learning to recognize the most common symptoms, including:

• Loud or frequent snoring
• Waking up tired despite sleeping through the night
• Morning headaches
• Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking
• Daytime sleepiness or trouble concentrating
• Mood changes, anxiety, or irritability
• Waking up gasping for air

If you or your partner has noticed any of these signs, it’s worth a closer look. We offer MediByte, a small, comfortable take-home sleep test that collects helpful data overnight. It’s easy to use and gives us a clearer picture of what’s happening while you sleep.

Personalized, Non-CPAP Treatment Options

For many patients with mild-to-moderate sleep apnea, we can custom make an oral appliance that gently repositions the jaw to keep the airway open at night. It’s a non-invasive alternative to CPAP therapy and often a great fit for patients who want a simple, travel-friendly solution.

We also take an airway-focused approach with children, especially mouth breathers or snorers. Early intervention with orthodontic treatment supports proper airway development and long-term health.

Let’s Talk at Your Next Appointment

We know that better sleep leads to better health, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. If you’re noticing signs of sleep apnea or have concerns about snoring, memory, or energy levels, bring it up at your next visit. We look forward to seeing you for your next appointment at our dental office located in Monroe, WI.