What Are The Warning Signs Of Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is one of the most common sleep disorders. People who struggle with it repeatedly stop breathing while they sleep.

The condition can be caused by many things, though in most cases, the throat muscles relax and block the airway. This is called obstructive sleep apnea.

There are several ways to successfully treat sleep apnea, but because it happens during sleep, many patients might not be aware they have a problem. Keep reading to discover the warning signs of sleep apnea and how to successfully treat it. 

Common Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Snoring is the most common sign of sleep apnea. If your partner complains of loud snoring on your part, it could be reason enough to see a specialist.

But there are other warning signs of the sleep disorder to watch out for:

• Daytime sleepiness
• Waking up in the middle of the night gasping for air or choking
• Morning migraines and headaches
• Waking up with a dry mouth or a sore throat
• Not feeling rested even after a full night’s sleep
• High blood pressure
• Mood swings

People with sleep apnea don’t get the restful sleep they need. As a result, they can begin to notice these symptoms even during the day.

Of course, most of these symptoms can be caused by other conditions as well. Waking up with a sore throat or dry mouth could be explained by mouth breathing, which happens when a person has a congested nose or an obstruction in the airway.

But if you notice a combination of these symptoms, you should see a specialist to determine whether you’re dealing with sleep apnea. 

How Is Sleep Apnea Treated?

First, you will need to see a sleep specialist in Cary to get a proper diagnosis. You’ll be monitored during sleep to see if you indeed stop breathing intermittently.

Once you get the proper diagnosis, sleep apnea can be treated in several ways:

• Oral appliance therapy (OAT) is a type of mouthguard that helps move the jaw forward at night, creating the ideal position for the airway to remain open.
• Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is a machine that uses a face mask to gently pump air into your mouth and nose.
• Lifestyle adjustments: Patients can also reduce the severity of this sleep disorder by becoming more active, improving nutrition, losing weight, and quitting smoking. 

Sleep Apnea Treatment at Myers & Co. Family Dentistry

If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea, Dr. Sarah Myers can help you access the right treatment to finally achieve a good night’s sleep.

Through a consultation, you can find out whether OAT or a CPAP machine is right for you and access many other useful recommendations that can help you manage your condition and reduce its side effects.

Schedule a consultation at Myers + Co Family Dentistry online or stop by to discover your options.

 For more information, call us at (919) 851-5166.

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