Signs of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a prevalent yet often undiagnosed sleep disorder affecting millions of individuals worldwide. It is a medical condition where breathing stops and starts during sleep at random times, adversely affecting your health and well-being. When not treated, sleep apnea may increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Therefore, it is crucial to identify the signs of sleep apnea and seek treatment immediately. To learn how you can recognize the signs of sleep apnea and when to seek medical attention, continue reading and call our sleep apnea dentist for a consultation at our Fitchburg office.
Loud Snoring
If you snore loudly and wake up tired or groggy, it may indicate that you have sleep apnea. When you have sleep apnea, the airway becomes partially or entirely blocked during sleep, leading to snoring, gasping, or choking sounds. If your snoring is a cause for concern, you should see a doctor.
Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
The second sign of sleep apnea is excessive daytime sleepiness. You may have sleep apnea if you constantly tire or nap during the day. When you have sleep apnea, you wake up multiple times at night, leaving you tired and groggy during the day. If you are experiencing excessive daytime sleepiness, you should speak to a sleep specialist.
Pauses In Breathing
One of the most common yet often unnoticed signs of sleep apnea is the stopping and starting breathing patterns during sleep. You may not know it, but your partner may notice you struggle to breathe during sleep. Stopping breathing for a few seconds or gasping or choking during sleep may indicate sleep apnea. If you or your partner notice these signs, speaking to a sleep specialist is essential.
Morning Headaches
If you wake up with a headache every morning, it may indicate that you have sleep apnea. When you have sleep apnea, you may not be getting enough oxygen during sleep, leading to headaches when you wake up. Headaches can also be a sign of other underlying health conditions, so speaking to your doctor is essential.
If you recognize any signs of sleep apnea, it’s crucial to speak to a sleep specialist as soon as possible. They can diagnose sleep apnea and recommend the appropriate therapy based on the severity of your condition. Treatment options can include lifestyle changes, like weight loss, oral appliance therapy, using a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine, and surgical procedures. If not treated, sleep apnea can have severe consequences, so it is vital to seek medical attention immediately.
Schedule A Sleep Apnea Consultation
If you experience any of the above signs of sleep apnea, call our Fitchburg sleep apnea specialist Brian C McDowell DDS to schedule an evaluation. With over 30 years of experience and advanced training, our sleep apnea specialist is sought out by patients from
