Sleep Apnea: Common Symptoms Besides Snoring
Snoring is often the first symptom that comes to mind when you think about sleep apnea, but snoring is just one of several signs you could be suffering from this common sleep disorder.
Headaches or difficulty concentrating during the day could be a sign of sleep apnea.
What is sleep apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a serious health issue where your breathing repeatedly stops and starts while you’re sleeping.
In sleep apnea patients, the muscles in the back of the throat relax, causing their airway to narrow or close as they breathe. Their brains will sense they’re not breathing well, causing them to wake up and reopen their airways.
Sleep apnea can have serious consequences, especially for those who have existing cardiovascular or systemic disease, such as diabetes. Sleep apnea can significantly raise the risk for stroke and heart attack if left untreated.
What are the nighttime symptoms of sleep apnea?
In addition to snoring, some of the common symptoms you may notice at night include:
- Restless sleep
- Pauses in breathing
- Gasping for air
- Frequent bathroom visits
What are the daytime symptoms of sleep apnea?
You won’t just notice sleep apnea symptoms at night. The disrupted and restless sleep will likely have an impact on your day. Daytime symptoms include:
- Early morning headaches
- Feeling groggy or sleepy during the day
- Dry mouth in the morning
- Difficulty concentrating
- Depression of irritability
Dr. Korous recently completed an advanced sleep apnea training in Houston.
What treatment options are available?
Before selecting a treatment option, Dr. Dunia Korous will work with your general physician to conduct a diagnostic sleep study if necessary to determine if you have sleep apnea.
Dr. Korous offers oral appliance therapy as an alternative to CPAP treatment for patients suffering from mild to moderate sleep apnea.
For more information, call our Frisco dental office today to schedule a consultation.