When many people think of sleep apnea, they think of it as a nuisance disorder. Sleep apnea does cause a number of annoying symptoms, such as loud snoring. However, sleep apnea can also lead to very serious health problems if it is left untreated. Consequently, it is vital that you seek treatment for sleep apnea as soon as possible. Timely treatment will help you avoid many of the long-term complications associated with sleep apnea.
Today our O’Fallon sleep apnea dentist office has compiled this list of common sleep apnea symptoms. We hope that after reading this blog you feel empowered to tell your dentist about sleep apnea symptoms in your own life.
Nighttime disturbances
Because sleep apnea deprives your body of oxygen as you sleep, your body has to “restart” its breathing process in order to get the oxygen it needs. What does this mean for you? Well, you may actually wake up in the night when your body “restarts” its breathing process. Some patients actually remember waking up gasping for air due to sleep apnea. You may also snore loudly—this can disrupt your sleep and your partner’s sleep.
Daytime dysfunction
When you are getting poor quality sleep, you will feel the effects during the day. Patients with sleep apnea suffer from chronic fatigue—in fact, they often feel tired as soon as they wake up in the morning. Sleep apnea can also lead to painful headaches throughout the day. You may find it difficult to focus and stay motivated as the day goes on.
You are the first line of defense against sleep apnea. So keep a lookout for these symptoms of sleep apnea, and contact our O’Fallon sleep apnea dentist office to get the treatment you need. There are easy, non-invasive treatment options that will help you put your sleep apnea symptoms to rest!