Sleep apnea is a common condition affecting countless individuals. It can cause short breathing pauses while sleeping and result in dangerous health problems, including heart problems, stroke, and hypertension if left without treatment.
Sleep apnea can trigger loud snoring, choking, or gasping while sleeping, interrupting the person with the problem, their bed partner, or others close by.
This article will talk about the common sleep apnea signs you shouldn’t overlook, as well as the treatment options available. In this manner, you can act proactively to improve your condition before it becomes serious and lead a more fulfilling life.
Common Sleep Apnea Symptoms
Other sleep apnea symptoms are more noticeable than others, but here are some that must not be ignored:
Loud Snoring
Snoring often and loudly is the most typical sleep apnea symptom. The snoring is usually disrupted by pauses in breathing, followed by gasping or choking noises as the person attempts to take a breath again. Make sure to explain this to your doctor if you experience these symptoms to know the proper sleep apnea & snoring treatment.
Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding (bruxism) can be a symptom of sleep apnea since sleep apnea can disrupt your sleep cycle, leading to different physical responses, like teeth grinding. Their airway becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep, causing them to stop breathing briefly until their brain realizes they need to breathe again, causing disturbances in sleep.
Also, bruxism can ruin or wear down your teeth, which may lead to losing them. If that occurs, you can deal with this by consulting a cosmetic dentistry doctor that can help you learn more info about the ideal treatment for you.
Excessive Daytime Drowsiness
Excessive daytime drowsiness is another common symptom of sleep apnea. If you have this condition, you often feel exhausted and drowsy during the day because you’re not getting quality restful sleep at night. As a result, you might have trouble concentrating, experience memory loss, and be less efficient overall.
Morning Headaches
A morning headache can be a sleep apnea symptom caused by reduced oxygen levels when sleeping. See a medical professional if you regularly struggle with morning headaches.
Irritability and Mood Changes
Sleep apnea can also lead to irritation, mood changes, and a lack of patience. This can trigger problems in personal relationships and at work. If you notice this happening, make sure to tell your doctor.
Hypertension
Finally, sleep apnea can lead to high blood pressure. If your breathing is disrupted while sleeping, your blood pressure may increase. This can result in hypertension, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Sleep Apnea Treatment Options
You can control your symptoms and lead a healthier life through many sleep apnea treatments. The most common sleep apnea treatment options are listed here.
CPAP Therapy
This is the most common and effective treatment for sleep apnea. A mask covering the mouth and nose keeps the air passage open throughout this treatment. If you have sleep apnea, CPAP therapy is a great option to reduce your risk of problems, improve the quality of your sleep, and lessen the number of times you wake up in the evening.
Oral Devices
Oral appliances are another treatment option for sleep apnea. These oral devices maintain the airway open by repositioning the jaw and tongue when worn. They are usually advised for people with mild to moderate sleep apnea who can not endure CPAP therapy. You can check out general dentistry services for more details.
Lifestyle Changes
Making lifestyle changes can also be an effective way to manage sleep apnea. You can reduce the severity of your symptoms by losing weight, quitting smoking, refraining from alcohol, and not using sedatives. Furthermore, sleeping on your side instead of your back can help to keep your air passage open during sleep.
Surgery
In serious conditions, surgery might be the only option. An operation can help open your air passage by expanding and reshaping the structures around it. It is usually advised for people with severe sleep apnea who can not use other treatments.
Final Thoughts
Sleep apnea is a serious problem that needs treatment to avoid major health complications. Get medical attention if you experience any of these common symptoms. Look for assistance and talk to your doctor regarding which treatment option is best for you. The best treatment will help you get a good night’s sleep and feel rested and refreshed the next day, reducing your symptoms.