Sleep apnea is one of the most common sleep disorders in this country, but many people are unaware they have it. Sleep apnea is a serious condition that is often the underlying cause of health problems for many in Humble, TX, so it’s crucial to get a diagnosis as well as sleep apnea treatment.
Signs You Might Have Sleep Apnea
#1—You Snore
Although snoring is one of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea, not all people who snore have sleep apnea. But if your snoring is loud and disrupts your partner on a nightly basis, you might want to find out if you have sleep apnea—especially if any other symptoms are present.
#2—Your Breathing Pauses Many Times During the Night
Sleep apnea sufferers experience a restriction in airflow when the fatty tissues of the throat or tongue restrict the airway during sleep. This usually wakes people up, although they are often unaware of it. These constant interruptions in breathing can happen up to 30 times in one night, so it’s not difficult to understand how they can have an adverse effect on the quality of sleep. These interruptions can lead to other symptoms.
#3—You Are Tired, Even Though You Think You Are Getting Enough Sleep
If you are in bed for eight hours, you should feel fully rested in the morning, but if you are suffering from the airflow restrictions mentioned previously, you will not feel rested. This excessive daytime sleepiness can keep you from performing well on the job—and it can be a danger if you get behind the wheel or operate heavy equipment.
#4—You Are Overweight
People who are obese are at a higher risk of sleep apnea, especially if they are carrying excess weight in the neck area. Men with a neck circumference of 17 inches and women with a neck circumference of 16 inches might suffer from sleep apnea.
#5—You Wake Up With a Headache or Irritability
Along with daytime drowsiness, headaches are a result of less oxygen reaching your brain while you sleep because of the airflow interruptions. This can also lead to feeling irritable during the day.
If you have any of these signs of sleep apnea, call our Humble, TX dental practice to discuss treatment. We might be able to recommend options other than CPAP. Give us a call today!