Did you know that about 75% of people with obstructive sleep apnea are undiagnosed? This is partially because it can be challenging to recognize the signs and symptoms of the condition. You may feel like you are lacking quality sleep without realizing the cause is sleep apnea. Continue reading to learn about some of the most common signs of sleep apnea, how to recognize your symptoms, and when you should seek help.
How to Identify Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Identifying the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea isn’t as easy as it may seem. This is especially the case for those who sleep in their bed alone, as they don’t have someone else picking up on symptoms. The best way to narrow your symptoms down is to take note of how you are feeling each day and determine if your symptoms are occasional or chronic. If your symptoms aren’t improving or are worsening, it’s a good idea to reach out to a sleep apnea doctor to discuss your concerns.
Most Common Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
One of the most common and obvious symptoms of sleep apnea is loud snoring. If you have a bed partner, they are likely to notice this right away. However, snoring isn’t the only symptom of sleep apnea, and sleep apnea isn’t the only reason for snoring. Here are some other symptoms to make note of over time:
- Daytime Fatigue: If you feel tired, even after going to bed at a decent time, it is possible that you aren’t staying asleep throughout the entire night. When this happens for days, weeks, or months on end, you could also develop symptoms like mood changes, difficulty concentrating, and memory loss.
- Morning Headaches: When you repetitively stop breathing while you sleep, less oxygen reaches your brain. This can lead to the blood vessels widening, resulting in headaches. If this becomes a regular occurrence, it is something to bring up to your doctor.
- Hypertension: When you aren’t getting enough oxygen while you sleep, it can put strain on your heart. This increases your risk of cardiovascular complications, like high blood pressure. This is one of the reasons why your dentist takes your blood pressure when you arrive for your regular dental visits.
Next Steps for Sleep Apnea Treatment
At GoTo Sleep Center for CPAP Alternatives, we have a team of sleep apnea dentists ready to meet you, discuss your symptoms, and put together a treatment plan to help you achieve the quality sleep that you deserve. If you notice one or more of the symptoms listed above, or you have other concerns that you think could be related to sleep apnea, don’t hesitate to give us a call.
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