Sleep apnea is a common but serious sleep disorder that affects millions of people worldwide, often without them even knowing. It occurs when your breathing is interrupted during sleep, sometimes hundreds of times per night. These interruptions can significantly impact your health, mood, and overall quality of life. Recognizing the signs you need sleep apnea treatment is the first step toward improving quality of life and reclaiming restful sleep.
Chronic Loud Snoring
One of the most common signs of sleep apnea is loud, persistent snoring. While not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, snoring that is especially loud, frequent, and disruptive to others may be a red flag. This kind of snoring is often caused by a blockage of the airway, a hallmark of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). If your partner frequently complains about your snoring or if it wakes you up during the night, it’s worth looking into.
Gasping or Choking During Sleep
People with sleep apnea often experience episodes where they stop breathing and then suddenly gasp or choke as their body tries to resume normal airflow. These moments can be alarming, even if the person doesn’t fully wake up. If you’ve ever woken up with a choking sensation or have been told that you stop breathing at night, these could be significant signs that your airway is being compromised during sleep.
Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
Feeling unusually tired during the day, even after what seemed like a full night’s sleep, is another classic sign of sleep apnea. The disorder prevents deep, restorative sleep. Many patients often find themselves dozing off during meetings, while watching TV, or even while driving. This constant fatigue can interfere with your daily responsibilities and even pose a safety risk.
Morning Headaches and Dry Mouth
If you often wake up with a headache or a dry, sore throat, sleep apnea may be to blame. Morning headaches are typically caused by a lack of oxygen and poor sleep quality, both of which are linked to sleep apnea. A dry mouth, on the other hand, may result from breathing through the mouth all night. This is another consequence of interrupted breathing and snoring.
Difficulty Concentrating and Mood Changes
Sleep apnea doesn’t just affect your physical health. It can have a profound impact on your mental and emotional well-being as well. Many people with untreated sleep apnea report trouble focusing, memory problems, and general brain fog. Additionally, chronic sleep deprivation can lead to irritability, anxiety, and even depression. If you’ve noticed changes in your mood or cognitive abilities, it may be related to poor sleep quality due to apnea.
Waking Up Frequently at Night
Sleep apnea often causes fragmented sleep. You may find yourself waking up multiple times throughout the night, sometimes without a clear reason. These frequent awakenings disrupt your sleep cycle and prevent you from reaching the deep stages of sleep that are essential for physical and mental restoration. Over time, this can lead to chronic insomnia and a host of related health issues.
High Blood Pressure or Other Health Conditions
There’s a strong link between sleep apnea and several serious health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. If you’ve been diagnosed with one or more of these conditions, particularly at a younger age or without a strong family history, it may be worth investigating whether sleep apnea is a contributing factor. Treating sleep apnea could not only improve sleep but also support better management of these underlying health concerns.
Sleep Apnea Treatment in Nixa, MO
At MAC Dental, we understand the connection between your oral health and your overall health. If you suffer from sleep apnea, your bite could be both the problem and part of the symptoms. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and learn more about your sleep apnea treatment options.