Is sleep apnea something you should be concerned about? Possibly. Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder where your breathing becomes constantly interrupted throughout the night. These short breathing pauses can occur hundreds of times during the night, impacting your natural sleep rhythm and depriving you of much-needed rest. If left untreated, sleep apnea can wreak havoc on your overall health and lead to serious health conditions like heart disease, liver issues, and diabetes. How do you know if you have it? Most people aren’t aware they have this condition until someone else like their doctor or partner notices their symptoms. That’s why it’s important to learn about the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea listed below to ensure you get help as soon as possible.
Loud Snoring
Not everyone who snores has sleep apnea. However, those with sleep apnea tend to snore more loudly and gasp for air during sleep. If your partner has noticed any of these symptoms or if you often wake yourself up snoring in the middle of the night, you should talk to your doctor about it. Snoring is usually the first sign that you have a sleeping issue, especially if it’s accompanied by daytime fatigue and mood changes.
Restless Sleep
Do you constantly wake up during the night or find yourself kicking or jerking in your sleep? Periods of restless sleep and insomnia are often the result of a sleeping disorder like sleep apnea.
Dry Throat
People who have sleep apnea often sleep with their mouth open as well. Waking up to a dry or sore throat can be an indication that you’ve been mouth breathing while asleep. If this starts happening frequently, it’s time to seek advice from your doctor or dentist.
Choking Feeling
Those who suffer from sleep apnea often experience frequent pauses in their breathing followed by gasping and choking sensations. This happens when the oxygen levels drop, and the brain forces you awake in order to take another breath.
Limited Attention Span
If you’re feeling exhausted during the day, it can really impact your attention span. Those with sleep apnea commonly struggle to stay awake during the day and experience issues with their concentration and memory. If your body is craving naps throughout the day, it’s time to find out if sleep apnea is the cause.
Changes to Your Mood
Have you noticed any sudden changes to your mood lately? A lack of sleep can cause moodiness, irritability, and can even lead to depression if not treated.
If you have any of the warning signs above, it’s time to talk about it. With the right treatment, you can get your sleep back on track and control your sleep apnea. Simple solutions like a mouthguard can prevent the tongue from moving back into the throat and keep the airways open. To set up an appointment to discuss your sleep apnea concerns and treatment options, contact us at Yazdani Family Dentistry today.
