Sleep is essential. Signs you may have sleep apnea include sluggishness, low productivity and grumpiness, to name a few. Not sure if you have sleep apnea? We’ve gone ahead and listed off some common signs of sleep apnea that you (or your sleeping partner) may have.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where a person’s breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. These interruptions in breathing can last for a few seconds to a minute and often occur multiple times throughout the night. This leads to fragmented and poor-quality sleep, which can result in daytime fatigue and other health issues. Types of and signs of sleep apnea include:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA):
- This is the most common type, and occurs when the muscles at the back of the throat relax too much, blocking the airway. This leads to repeated pauses in breathing during sleep, often accompanied by loud snoring and choking or gasping sounds.
- Central Sleep Apnea (CSA):
- Unlike OSA, CSA occurs because the brain fails to send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. It’s less common and often associated with other medical conditions such as heart failure or stroke.
- Mixed Sleep Apnea:
- This is a combination of both obstructive and central sleep apnea. People with this condition experience both airway blockage and problems with the brain signaling for proper breathing.
Signs Of Sleep Apnea: Pauses in Breathing While Sleeping
This is a symptom you may not recognize in yourself, since you’re asleep and all. However, your sleeping partner may have better insight in this regard. Of course, that would mean staying awake while you sleep to monitor your breathing, but that is one way to tell if sleep apnea is a concern. Sleep studies are another option to consider.
Shortness of Breath
Many people wake up in the night, so that isn’t always a case of sleep apnea. However, waking up in the night and experiencing shortness of breath are signs that you may suffer from sleep apnea. If this is you, consider getting yourself checked out.
Snoring
Loud snoring is one of the most common signs of sleep apnea, especially obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This snoring is usually accompanied by choking or gasping sounds. If you suspect you have sleep apnea, ask your sleep partner if you snore—if they haven’t complained about it already!
Daytime Fatigue
As an adult, you’re tired—especially if you have children. Being tired is a part of life, but it can also be an indicator of sleep apnea. If, during the day, you are excessively tired or fatigued—no matter how much sleep you got the night before—you may be suffering from sleep apnea. This is due in part because your body isn’t getting the oxygen flow it needs, thus affecting your quality of sleep.
Dry Mouth/Sore Throat
Do you wake up with a dry mouth or a sore throat? Not only are these symptoms annoying, but they are actually symptoms of sleep apnea is caused by sleeping with an open mouth, which in itself is another sign of the problem.
Insomnia
Insomnia got you up late? Do you wake up a lot in the night? What about a fitful or restless sleep? If this is you…do we really have to say it? Well, we will anyway. We’re not ones for pointing fingers, but sleep apnea is looking mighty suspicious right about now.
Difficulty Concentrating
If you don’t get the restorative, restful sleep you need, an inability to concentrate during the day and memory problems can be some of the signs of sleep apnea.
It’s Time to Sleep Better
Aside from the signs of sleep apnea mentioned above, other factors can contribute to sleep apnea, such as being overweight, having a large neck, are middle-aged, or are a male. Remember, though, that people without any of those attributes can also have the condition, but these signs of sleep apnea are an indicator that you may be at more of a risk.
Sleep apnea is no joke, nor is it something you want to deal with your entire life. At Anthony Martin Dentistry, we have the knowledge and tools to assist you. If you are experiencing signs of sleep apnea, contact us today to schedule an appointment and start sleeping soundly again!
