Sleep Apnea in Teens: What Denver Parents Need to Know

Why Is My Teen Always Tired? It Could Be Undiagnosed Sleep Apnea

If your teenager wakes up tired, struggles to focus in class, or crashes after school, it might be more than just hormones or homework. Sleep apnea in teens is a common—but often overlooked—condition that disrupts quality sleep and impacts everything from academic performance to emotional health.

At Sleep Better Breathe Better Denver, we help families uncover and treat teen sleep apnea using comfortable, non-invasive solutions like home sleep tests and custom oral appliances—no hospital visits, no scary machines.

What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Teenagers?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes breathing to repeatedly stop and start during the night. The most common form in teens—obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)—occurs when soft tissues in the throat relax and block the airway, preventing proper airflow.

Left untreated, this condition can lead to:

• Chronic daytime fatigue

• Poor school performance

• Mood swings and irritability

• Increased risk of long-term health issues

Common Signs of Teen Sleep Apnea Every Parent Should Watch For

Recognizing the signs of sleep-disordered breathing in teens is the first step toward getting help. Be on the lookout for:

• Loud snoring (it’s not just an adult thing!)

• Pauses in breathing during sleep

• Restless tossing and turning

• Morning headaches

• Daytime sleepiness or naps after school

• Difficulty focusing in class

• Night terrors or frequent nightmares

• Moodiness, irritability, or even signs of depression

Causes of Teen Sleep Apnea: What’s Blocking the Airway?

Several factors can lead to airway restriction during sleep, including:

• Enlarged tonsils or adenoids

• Chronic nasal congestion or allergies

• Excess weight

• Underdeveloped jaws or narrow airways

• Exposure to secondhand smoke

• Genetic or neuromuscular conditions

How We Diagnose Sleep Apnea in Teens—Right at Home in Denver

Skip the overnight hospital stay. At Sleep Better Breathe Better Denver, we offer home sleep tests for teens, so your child can sleep in their own bed while we collect the data needed to detect sleep apnea.

How it works:

• We provide a small, easy-to-use device

• Your teen wears it at night while sleeping at home

• The test measures breathing, oxygen levels, and airflow

• A board-certified sleep physician reviews the results

It’s fast, non-invasive, and accurate—perfect for busy families in the Denver area.

Treatment for Teen Sleep Apnea in Denver: No Masks, No Machines

We specialize in non-CPAP treatment for sleep apnea with custom oral appliances designed specifically for growing teens.

These oral appliances gently reposition the jaw to keep the airway open, helping your teen breathe better and sleep deeper—all without bulky masks or noise.

Why parents and teens love them:

• Comfortable and easy to wear

• Custom-fitted for each teen

• Quiet, discreet, and easy to clean

• Backed by science and real-world results

Protect Their Bite with Morning Repositioners

After wearing an oral appliance overnight, we provide a morning repositioner to help guide the jaw back into its natural alignment. This keeps the bite healthy while continuing to treat the sleep apnea effectively.

Why Early Treatment for Teen Sleep Apnea Matters

Treating sleep apnea early can help your teen avoid:

• Academic decline

• Behavioral and emotional challenges

• Increased risk of obesity or high blood pressure

• Long-term cardiovascular issues

A well-rested teen is healthier, happier, and better equipped to navigate the rollercoaster of adolescence.

Get Help from Denver’s Trusted Sleep Apnea Provider for Teens

At Sleep Better Breathe Better Denver, Dr. Teresa Lowery and our team are passionate about helping kids and teens breathe better, sleep better, and feel better—without surgery or CPAP.

We offer:

✅ Home sleep testing
✅ Comfortable oral appliances
✅ Morning repositioners for bite support
✅ Personalized treatment plans for Denver teens

Don’t Let Sleep Apnea Steal Your Teen’s Potential

📍 Sleep Better Breathe Better Denver
425 S. Cherry St, Suite #210
Denver, CO 80246
📞 Call us today: (303) 753-0922

Let’s help your teen wake up refreshed and ready to take on the world—starting tonight.