Discover Your Solution for Restful Sleep
Are you experiencing constant tiredness, loud snoring, or disrupted sleep? At The Foleck Center in Hampton Kecoughtan, Dr. Foleck offers expert care for patients dealing with sleep apnea and other rest-related breathing issues. With extensive experience and a personalized approach, our team will help you find real, lasting relief so that you can enjoy deep, restorative slumber once again.
Sleep Apnea Explained
Sleep apnea is a common but serious condition that causes repeated pauses in breathing while you sleep. These pauses can happen many times each night, disrupting your ability to get a full, deep rest. The most common type, known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), occurs when the muscles in the back of your throat relax too much and temporarily block your airway.
Typical signs of sleep apnea include:
- Persistent, loud snoring
- Waking up gasping or choking
- Headaches in the morning
- Feeling very tired during the day
- Trouble focusing or staying alert
- Mood swings or increased irritability
- Elevated blood pressure
Without timely treatment, sleep apnea can contribute to serious health issues such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. That’s why Dr. Foleck stresses the importance of early detection and care to help protect your long-term health.
How Sleep Apnea Is Diagnosed
We start with a detailed review of your symptoms and health history. Dr. Foleck partners with trusted sleep specialists to ensure an accurate diagnosis, which may involve the following.
Sleep Studies
At-home sleep tests that track breathing, oxygen levels, and heart rate while you sleep
In-lab sleep studies (polysomnography) used for more complex or unclear cases
Comprehensive review of your sleep patterns and breathing disruptions for accurate diagnosis
Physical Examination
- Examination of your throat, nasal passages, and oral structures
- Evaluation of jaw position and bite alignment
- Detection of anatomical issues that may block the airway during sleep
Medical History Review
- Review of sleep habits and reported symptoms
- Assessment of underlying health conditions that may contribute to sleep apnea
- Examination of current medications that could affect sleep quality or breathing
Sleep Apnea Treatment Options
At The Foleck Center in Hampton Kecoughtan, treatment is tailored to your unique condition and the severity of your sleep apnea.
Dr. Foleck will develop a customized care plan that may address the following.
Oral Appliance Therapy
- Custom-made dental appliances tailored to your bite
- Gently shift the jaw forward to keep airways open
- A more comfortable, quieter option than CPAP machines
- Periodic adjustments ensure long-term comfort and results
CPAP Alternatives
- Innovative dental appliances for non-CPAP treatment
- Combination therapy based on severity and comfort
- Expert guidance on lifestyle changes to support better sleep
Surgical Interventions (when necessary)
- Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), which removes excess throat tissue to open the airway
- Genioglossus advancement (GA), which repositions tongue muscle to prevent airway collapse
- Maxillomandibular advancement (MMA), which moves upper and lower jaws forward to enlarge the airway
Collaborative Sleep Apnea Care
Dr. Adam Foleck works closely with sleep physicians across Virginia to ensure comprehensive, coordinated care for patients with complex or severe sleep apnea.
Tailored Treatment for Every Type of Sleep Apnea
At The Foleck Center in Hampton Kecoughtan, we recognize that sleep apnea comes in different forms that can range from mild to severe obstructive sleep apnea, as well as central sleep apnea that originates in the brain. Because every treatment is different, our team partners with board-certified sleep medicine professionals to develop personalized plans that are based on your unique diagnosis and overall health.
For many patients, CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) or BiPAP (Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure) therapy remains the gold standard — especially in moderate to severe cases. These machines help keep your airway open during sleep, improving oxygen levels and reducing interruptions.
However, for those who can’t tolerate CPAP machines, we offer alternative options like custom oral appliances or advanced treatments such as hypoglossal nerve stimulation.
We also monitor your progress over time and adjust therapies — including oral appliance settings, air pressure levels, and sleep posture strategies — to ensure better sleep quality and long-term relief from symptoms like fatigue and excessive daytime sleepiness.
Lifestyle and Health Factors That Impact Treatment Success
We take a whole-person approach to sleep apnea care that addresses not only the condition itself, but also the lifestyle and health factors that contribute to it.
Weight, alcohol use, sedatives, and certain sleep positions can all make sleep apnea symptoms worse. That’s why part of your treatment plan may include guidance on weight management, sleep habits, or even referrals for medically supervised weight loss or bariatric surgery when appropriate.
We also evaluate related health issues like acid reflux, heart disease, and high BMI, which are commonly linked to sleep-disordered breathing.
For those with mild sleep apnea, simple changes like sleeping on your side or doing upper airway exercises can significantly improve nighttime breathing and reduce symptoms. These supportive strategies, when combined with your main treatment, help you achieve better rest and lasting results.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is oral appliance therapy different from using a CPAP machine?
While CPAP machines work well for many, some patients prefer oral appliances because they’re more comfortable and simpler to use. Based on your needs, we’ll determine if an oral appliance is a good fit for your sleep apnea treatment.
Does insurance cover treatment for sleep apnea?
Many insurance plans include coverage for sleep apnea treatment. Our team will work closely with your insurance provider to help you understand your benefits and make the most of your coverage.
How long does it take to get used to wearing an oral appliance?
Most patients become comfortable wearing their oral appliance within two to three (2-3) weeks. We’ll guide you through the adjustment process, offering support and tips to help you get the best results as quickly and comfortably as possible.
Is it possible for sleep apnea to go away without treatment?
Sleep apnea usually doesn’t go away on its own and often requires professional care. While healthy habits like weight loss or changing sleep positions can help reduce symptoms, most people need medical treatment for lasting relief and improved sleep quality.
How quickly can I expect to see results from sleep apnea treatment?
Many patients begin noticing better sleep within a few nights of starting treatment. That said, it may take a few weeks for your body to fully adjust and experience the complete benefits of more consistent, restful sleep.
Your Path to Better Sleep Starts Here
If loud snoring, restless nights, or constant fatigue are affecting your daily life, The Foleck Center at Hampton Kecoughtan is here to help. Our team offers noninvasive, dental-based solutions for sleep apnea designed to improve your sleep, boost your energy, and support your overall health.
Don’t let sleep apnea go untreated. Contact us at 800-800-8000, or schedule an appointment online.
Better rest — and better health — is right around the corner.
