Obstructive sleep apnea impacts over ten million people in the United States. The sleep disorder leaves people deprived of sleep and feeling terrible. In addition, it also increases the risk of high blood pressure, stroke, and heart attack over time. How do you know if you might need sleep apnea treatment? When should you consider taking a sleep assessment?
Warning Signs of Sleep Apnea
- Your snore often: Obstructive sleep apnea is a disorder that develops when soft tissues in the mouth and throat become too relaxed and collapse during sleep, blocking airflow. The patient then stops breathing until the brain wakes him/her up. Snoring is often a warning sign because snoring occurs when airflow is partially blocked and air is forced through, vibrating the tissue.
- You feel tired during the day, even if you sleep: Patients often have no recollection of being woken up to start breathing, even though for some people this happens hundreds of times per night. In fact, the patient may assume he/she slept through the night. However, if you constantly feel exhausted or sleep deprived, then you may be suffering from OSA.
- You wake up at night gasping for air: Often when patients stop breathing they wake suddenly choking or possibly gasping for air. Don’t ignore these episodes as this could be an indicator of a sleep disorder.
- Moodiness: Losing sleep can leave you feeling moody or suffering from depression. If you feel tired, snore often, and encounter changes in mood, then talk to your dentist. We can see if the cause of your moodiness is related to sleep apnea.
- Difficulty concentrating during the day: If you have trouble staying focused on tasks during work or school, then you may also be losing sleep to a disorder such as OSA.
