Main Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a very common condition that affects 20 to 30 million adults in the United States. The condition is characterized by frequent interruptions to normal breathing during sleep. These interruptions can occur more than 30 times per hour, preventing the body from getting the oxygen it needs.

Patients with sleep apnea experience a variety of symptoms, including:

Frequent Snoring

Snoring is often the first sign of sleep apnea. This condition causes breathing to stop often throughout the night, about five times per hour. The frequent interruptions to breathing often cause snoring, as well as a gasping sound as the body attempts to breathe.

Excessive Daytime Sleepiness

Patients with sleep apnea often report feeling excessively sleepy during the day. This tiredness can be severe enough to interfere with daily life.

Excessive sleepiness in sleep apnea patients may be accompanied by other symptoms, such as fatigue, insomnia, and restless sleep.

Morning Headaches

Not getting enough quality sleep each night can result in a number of symptoms. One of the most common in the morning is a headache. Sleep apnea can cause headaches that make it difficult to focus or even get out of bed. Avoid this by seeing your sleep apnea dentist and discussing your treatment options.

Trouble Concentrating

Difficulty concentrating is a symptom of sleep apnea. This is because your airways are blocked, making it difficult for your mind and body to function properly. This can also lead to relationship problems. People with sleep apnea can fall asleep at inappropriate times, such as while at work or at a restaurant.

Mood Changes or Depression

Sleep apnea can cause mood changes or depression. A lack of oxygen to the brain can cause symptoms like irritability, anxiety, or depression.

Loud or Heavy Breathing During Sleep

Snoring is a common symptom of sleep apnea, but snoring does not always indicate that someone has sleep apnea. Instead, what’s more, important is that a person’s snoring is loud or heavy. Snoring can be a nuisance for your partner, but it’s a sign that sleep apnea could be affecting your health.

Waking Up With a Sore Throat

Sleep apnea causes you to stop breathing throughout the night, causing you to wake up with a sore throat in the morning.

Choking

Sleep apnea is caused by a blockage in your airway. Breathing in becomes increasingly difficult and leads to choking or gasping for air.

PS Dental in Tigard, Oregon, offers the best dental care services to patients. For more details and appointments, call us at (503) 574-4000 or visit us at 12017 SW 70th Ave, Tigard, OR 97223.