Knowing that you’re suffering from a sleep disorder can be tricky – while you’re undoubtedly tired throughout the day, it could present more similarly to a medical condition like fatigue or depression. When, in reality, you’re waking several times throughout the night because your body is lacking the oxygen it needs, and you’re not getting a full night’s rest. This is the reason many people who suffer from sleep apnea go undiagnosed – or even misdiagnosed. Furthermore, leaving the disorder untreated (whether your have a diagnosis or not) can lead to other dangerous health complications. So, how do you know when you should visit your doctor for sleep apnea?
Know What To Look For
Awareness is key when it comes to any dental or medical conditions – especially when their symptoms are presenting at a time when you’re unconscious and unaware. However, there are several factors that can increase your risk for sleep apnea. When you’re aware of these factors and know whether you’re considered “at-risk” or not, it can actually help you discover your symptoms. While you may be having excessive feelings of sleepiness and continuous headaches each morning – you’re also probably assuming it’s just fatigue or a lack of sleep, when it’s more likely a sleep disorder – especially if you’re considered to be “at-risk.”
Symptoms You May Experience
Besides the symptoms we’ve already mentioned – morning headaches and excessive sleepiness – if you’re suffering from this sleep disorder you may have:
Persistently Loud Snoring
Abrupt Awakenings
Breathing Cessations (often witnessed by someone else)
Trouble Paying Attention
Mood Swings
Sore Throat/Dry Mouth in the Morning
Who Is At Risk For Sleep Apnea?
Factors, besides being male, that can increase your chances for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are:
Obesity
Narrow Airway
Family History of Sleep Disorders
Over the Age of 40
Smoking
Congestion
Central sleep apnea is typically caused from other medical conditions or complications like heart disease and stroke.
The sooner you’re able to visit your doctor, the better, when it comes to this sleep disorder. Don’t let your risk factors or symptoms go unnoticed!
