Sleep apnea is a damaging sleep disorder in which you actually stop breathing several times
during the night. This may happen only a few times or may happen quite often during your
sleep. Some people stop breathing at hundreds of different points during the night!
Sleep apnea should be evaluated and addressed due to its devastating effects on the body. How
do you know whether or not you’re suffering from sleep apnea? Here are the top signs you may
need to seek help!
Snoring
If you know you snore or your partner tells you that you snore, this is a sign of an obstructed
airway and could point to sleep apnea. Snoring is one of the top signs of this sleep disorder and
is best evaluated by a sleep specialist.
One of the most common types of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea, in which the airway
is blocked by the tissues of the throat, your tongue, or the anatomy of your airway. Snoring
could be indicative of sleep apnea, so get a sleep specialist to check, especially if you’re
experiencing these other symptoms.
Fatigue
Daytime or excessive fatigue is common in people who have sleep apnea. As a result of the
repeated waking during the night from not being able to breathe, your body isn’t able to get
the deep rest that it needs to function during the day.
If you’re excessively tired all the time and still get enough sleep at night, sleep apnea could be
the culprit. This should be evaluated as soon as possible, as daytime fatigue can lead to lack of
concentration and accidents!
Headaches
Having a headache is a painful experience that affects how you function. If you have a
persistent headache, you might be suffering from sleep apnea and not know it.
Since your body is deprived of oxygen in the presence of sleep apnea, this can lead the brain to
be deficient in oxygen as well. This can create headaches or migraines that may be present only
upon waking or throughout the day.If you have unexplained headaches, it’s time to consider if
sleep apnea could be the cause.
Other Health Problems
Sleep apnea can affect your risk for many other health problems. These include heart disease,
high blood pressure, and diabetes. If you suffer from any of these health problems in
combination with the signs above, it’s time to get evaluated for sleep apnea.
Since sleep apnea can be responsible for other health concerns and even cause premature
death, it’s important to seek treatment for your sleep apnea. Treatment can eliminate your
symptoms and help your body function normally again—and you’ll feel better!
Are you seeing any of the above signs in your daily life? From snoring to headaches to fatigue,
sleep apnea can be responsible for all of these symptoms and more. Your dentist can refer you
to a sleep specialist who can help you with a diagnosis. There is hope and treatment for sleep
apnea, so seek help today!