Laser Treatments for Sleep Apnea: A New Option for St. Louis Patients

Sleep apnea is more than just loud snoring—it is a serious medical condition where a person’s breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Untreated sleep apnea increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and even memory issues. Traditionally, treatment has involved CPAP machines, dental appliances, or surgery. But in recent years, laser treatments have emerged as a minimally invasive and effective option for many patients.

At Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine) in St. Louis, we use advanced laser technology, including Fotona’s NightLase® system, to help patients breathe better and sleep more soundly.

How Laser Therapy Works for Sleep Apnea

Laser therapy targets the tissues in the soft palate, uvula, and surrounding areas of the throat. In obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), these tissues collapse during sleep, blocking the airway. A laser treatment gently heats the tissue, stimulating collagen production and tightening the airway without cutting or removing any structures.

• Non-invasive: No incisions, no anesthesia, and no downtime.
• Gradual improvement: Over a series of treatments, the airway becomes more open and stable.
• Comfortable: Most patients describe only mild warmth during the procedure.

This approach does not replace CPAP for everyone, but for patients who are mild to moderate cases—or those who cannot tolerate CPAP—it may provide a safer and easier alternative.

Benefits of Laser Treatments in Sleep Apnea

1. Better Breathing and Less Snoring
   Many of our patients report that their snoring decreases after just one or two sessions. With an open airway, breathing at night becomes more consistent.
2. Improved Sleep Quality
   When the airway stays open, the body cycles through deeper stages of sleep, leading to better rest, sharper focus, and improved energy levels during the day.
3. No Recovery Time
   Unlike traditional surgical procedures for sleep apnea, laser therapy requires no downtime. Patients can resume daily activities immediately.
4. Support for Overall Health
   Treating sleep apnea lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, and daytime fatigue—all conditions we often address in our functional medicine program.

Who Is a Candidate for Laser Sleep Apnea Treatment?

Laser therapy may be right for you if:

• You have been diagnosed with mild to moderate sleep apnea.
• You snore regularly, especially if your partner notices pauses in breathing.
• You cannot tolerate CPAP or oral appliances.
• You are looking for a non-surgical option with little to no downtime.

Patients with severe sleep apnea may still require CPAP, but combining CPAP with laser therapy can sometimes make treatment more effective and comfortable.

A Functional Medicine Perspective

At Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine), we believe that addressing sleep apnea requires looking at the whole person, not just the airway. For example:

• Weight management and metabolic health: Insulin resistance, obesity, and inflammation can worsen airway obstruction. Our weight loss and metabolic health services support long-term results.
• Nutritional deficiencies: Low magnesium or vitamin D can worsen sleep quality.
• Hormonal imbalances: Testosterone deficiency and thyroid disorders may also contribute to poor sleep.

By combining laser treatments with functional medicine strategies, we help patients get lasting relief from the cycle of fatigue, weight gain, and poor health linked to sleep apnea.

What to Expect at Our St. Louis Office

A typical treatment plan includes three to four sessions spaced a few weeks apart. Each session takes about 20 minutes. There is no anesthesia required, and you can return to work or normal activities immediately afterward.

Most patients notice a difference after the first session, but maximum results are typically seen a few weeks after completing the full treatment series.

Our team takes time to evaluate not only your airway but also your overall health, ensuring that treatment fits into a broader plan for improving sleep and quality of life.

Take the First Step Toward Better Sleep

If you or a loved one struggles with sleep apnea, don’t ignore it. Sleep apnea affects more than your rest—it can impact your heart, brain, metabolism, and daily function. Laser therapy may be the solution you’ve been waiting for.

At Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine) in St. Louis, we are proud to offer advanced laser treatments for sleep apnea, along with comprehensive functional medicine support to address the root causes of poor sleep.

👉 Call our office today to schedule your consultation and learn if laser treatment for sleep apnea is right for you.

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