Sleep apnea isn't just a bad case of snoring. In fact, sleep apnea refers to interruptions in your normal breathing pattern while you are asleep. This is a much more serious health problem, since it can lead to daytime fatigue, depression, weight gain, and high blood pressure. The team at our Lansdale, PA practice offers many options for sleep apnea treatment. Before treatment can begin, it’s important to diagnose the problem and determine its causes.
Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, though. We’d like to cover some of the most common symptoms and warning signs of sleep apnea. If you recognize any of the following in yourself or a loved one, it’s important to discuss these matters with your doctor or a member of our team.
Loud or Excessive Snoring
The most well know symptom of sleep apnea is excessive snoring. If you snore especially loud even if you are on your side, this could be one of the signs that your airways are blocked and you are suffering from sleep apnea.
Waking Up Short of Breath
Another important symptom of sleep apnea to note is waking up in the night and feeling short of breath. When this happens, that’s often a major sign that your breathing is periodically interrupted during sleep.
Insomnia
Related to waking up short of breath, many people who suffer from sleep apnea experience insomnia. They may have difficulty sleeping for a few hours at a time, or wake up and be unable to get a decent amount of sleep afterward.
Dry Mouth or Sore Throat Waking Up
As you’re breathing in and out, as as your airways are being blocked, this can result in dry mouth as well as a sore throat. If you notice these issues when you’re waking up, it could be a sign that you suffer from sleep apnea.
Headaches in the Morning
People who suffer from breathing problems during sleep and issues with a restful sleep are likely to have a headache in the morning when they wake up. That’s a bad way to start the day, and a warning sign that you’re not getting a restful night of sleep.
Drowsiness During Daytime
Daytime fatigue and a feeling of drowsiness is common throughout the day when you have a sleep disorder. This can impact your job performance, and it can also be dangerous during your commute if you’re particularly sleepy during the day.
Irritability
A lack of sleep means mood swings and grogginess. Many people who suffer from sleep apnea notice serious issues with irritability, especially when they are feeling exhausted through the day.
Memory or Attention Problems
If you aren’t getting enough sleep or your sleep isn’t that restful, it’s no surprise that it can lead to mental fogginess. Distraction, memory problems, and absentmindedness are all common when people aren’t sleeping well.
Sleep Apnea Risk Factors
Some common risk factors of sleep apnea include the following:
- Obesity
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Asthma
- Family history
If you suffer from the above risk factors and notice any of the symptoms listed above, be sure to speak with your doctor to undergo a sleep apnea exam.
Learn More About Sleep Apnea
For more information about treating sleep apnea and helping you have a full, restful night of sleep, be sure to contact our team of dentists today. The team at Leading Dental Solutions will develop a treatment that’s right for you.