One of the things that makes sleep apnea tough for patients to self-diagnose is that this problem pops up…you guessed it…when you are sleeping! It is vitally important that you, as a patient, monitor your daily life for signs and symptoms of sleep apnea. That is why today our Orland Park Sleep Apnea Dentists are giving you information on how sleep apnea manifests. Please reach out to your dental team if you start to experience these issues.
Many people discover that they are dealing with sleep apnea symptoms because someone else actually tells them! If you are sleeping in the same room as someone else, it is very possible that your sleep apnea issues will keep them up at night. Namely, loud snoring and gasping/choking noises can wake up your sleeping partner throughout the night. So, take people seriously if they complain about your noisiness at night!
Beyond disruptive snoring and gasping/choking yourself awake, you may additionally experience:
- Frequent headaches, especially when you wake up and at night before you go to sleep
- Dry mouth when you wake up in the morning
- Daily fatigue (this is because sleep apnea disrupts your healthy REM sleep cycles during the night)
- Concentration and memory problems
- Periods of breathing cessation during the night
Obviously, sleep apnea can make it more difficult for you to go through your day-to-day routine. However, the downsides of sleep apnea extend far beyond daily disruptions. Long-term untreated sleep apnea can increase your risk of suffering from heart problems, stroke, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
In order to figure out whether you are suffering from sleep apnea, it is best to reach out to a sleep apnea professional for an assessment. Our Orland Park sleep apnea dentists are here to provide you with any additional information that you need—give us a call to get started!