What Are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a disorder that prevents a person from getting a good night of rest. This condition is caused by an obstruction in your airway, which causes you to stop breathing multiple times throughout the night.

This condition affects millions of people and is more common in men than women. Because sleep apnea disrupts normal sleep patterns, it can have a significant impact on your health.

Sleep apnea is diagnosed by a doctor after undergoing a sleep study. During a sleep study, patients will spend the night in a specialized sleep room. The room has sensors that measure patients’ breathing, oxygen levels, and heart rate throughout the night. These sensors allow the doctor to diagnose sleep apnea and track the patient’s improvement after undergoing treatment.

Sleep apnea symptoms usually include:

Loud Snoring

Loud snoring is one of the most common sleep apnea symptoms. When snoring occurs, it is a sign of an obstructed airway. The tissues of the mouth and throat can collapse into the throat, blocking off the airway. This causes vibrations in the throat during breathing, which can create very loud snoring.

Waking Up With Dry Mouth or a Sore Throat

The most common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is waking up with a dry mouth or a sore throat. This occurs because the tongue is sucked against the back of the throat, causing tissues to swell and restrict airflow. The body responds by breathing through small openings in the mouth and nose, which dry out the mouth. At the same time, the body is deprived of oxygen, which causes sleepiness.

Difficulty Staying Asleep

Sleep apnea can make anyone drowsy during the day, but sleep apnea sufferers often fall asleep at inappropriate times. One of the most common occurrences is falling asleep at the wheel. It is said that people with sleep apnea are three times more likely to be involved in car accidents than people without sleep apnea.

Morning Headaches

While sleep apnea can cause snoring, some snorers do not have it. If you wake up with a headache in the morning, however, you might have sleep apnea. When you stop breathing at night, your body activates a stress response, which causes headaches. You might also feel groggy and disoriented when you wake up.

Memory Problems

Sleep apnea can lead to a number of issues, including memory problems. Patients may have difficulty concentrating, remembering things, or thinking clearly. They may forget appointments or important dates. Some patients report having memory problems or lapses in judgment that they couldn’t explain.

Mood and Behavior Changes

Sleep apnea can also cause mood issues. Patients may feel irritated, frustrated, or depressed. They may feel sad or anxious for no reason at all. 

Dr. Darian D.D.S. of Winning Smiles Dentistry is here to provide you with the best treatment and advice possible. To make a reservation, please contact us at (623) 777-7942. Alternatively, you can visit us at 20165 N 67th Ave #103, Glendale, AZ 85308.