Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts. These pauses in breathing can happen more than 30 times per hour. Sleep apnea is a common disorder affecting more than 18 million Americans. Most sleep apnea cases go undiagnosed.
Snoring
Unfortunately, snoring and sleep apnea often goes undiagnosed. The symptoms of this disorder can be mild or severe, and many patients do not realize they have a problem.
Trouble Breathing
Some sleep apnea sufferers report that they sometimes have trouble breathing, even when they’re sleeping. If you’ve experienced shortness of breath while asleep or waking up gasping for air, you may have a serious medical condition that requires medical attention to avoid potentially life-threatening complications.
When left untreated, sleep apnea can cause high blood pressure and heart problems. In severe cases, it may lead to a stroke or heart attack. Be sure to reach out to your doctor if you’re experiencing unusual symptoms like this. They will work with you to accurately diagnose you and determine the best course of treatment.
Fatigue
Obstructive sleep apnea causes patients to feel extremely fatigued during the day, even if they get a full night of rest. They may have to use caffeine or energy drinks in the morning just to function normally at work. Quality sleep is essential for feeling well-rested and alert the next day. When patients are suffering from obstructive sleep apnea, they often feel sleepy throughout the day, even after they get a full night’s rest. Patients often complain of brain fog during the day. They may be unable to concentrate for long periods of time due to drowsiness and fatigue. This can be very dangerous for patients who operate heavy machinery or do other dangerous work. Patients may also notice that they feel more irritable than usual when they are experiencing this symptom. They may feel tired but wired at the same time.
Morning Headaches
People who experience obstructive sleep apnea often report headaches upon waking in the morning. The cause of this headache is usually due to the continued breathing issues throughout the night, which raises blood pressure and causes throbbing pain in the head. Other reasons for morning headaches include dehydration and allergies. Therefore, if your morning headaches persist, you should seek medical attention to narrow down the source of the problem. Once the cause of the headache is determined, a treatment plan can be created based on your specific needs. Many patients find relief from these symptoms by wearing a dental appliance at night to prevent their jaw from dropping and causing their airways to collapse.
Call us at (832) 939-9999 or email us at info@sweetwaterdentalstudio.com. Visit us in Sweetwater Dental Studio at 4840 Sweetwater Blvd suite A, Sugar Land, TX 77479.