Snoring Isn’t the Only Symptom of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is often associated with loud, disruptive snoring, but snoring alone is not the sole indicator of this serious sleep disorder. While snoring can be a telltale symptom, sleep apnea has other signs that can negatively impact your quality of life. 

Additional Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Some other symptoms of sleep apnea beyond snoring include:

• Pauses in Breathing: If your breathing frequently pauses while you sleep, you could be suffering from sleep apnea. Initially, only your partner will notice, but eventually, you, too, will feel the effects.
• Daytime Fatigue and Sleepiness: Individuals with sleep apnea often feel excessively tired during the day because they can’t stay asleep long enough for a whole night’s restorative rest. This results in difficulty concentrating, an increased likelihood of driving accidents, and decreased productivity due to the lack of proper sleep.
• Irritability and Mood Changes: Poor sleep quality can significantly affect emotional well-being. That’s why those with sleep apnea report feeling irritable, having mood swings, and even displaying the beginning symptoms of depression and anxiety.
• Difficulty Staying Asleep (Insomnia): Sleep apnea can make it hard to stay asleep due to frequent awakenings caused by breathing interruptions.
• Reduced Libido or Sexual Dysfunction: The effects of sleep apnea on hormonal balance and energy levels can lead to a decrease in sexual desire or performance issues. 

Consequences of Untreated Sleep Apnea

Ignoring the signs of sleep apnea can lead to a host of serious health problems, including:

• Heart Disease and Stroke: Waking up frequently due to sleep apnea puts undue stress on your heart and cardiovascular system. If left untreated, this will lead to a heart attack and stroke.
• Cognitive Impairment: If you fail to get a proper night’s sleep for an extended period, your brain will make you pay for it. You’ll eventually suffer memory loss and other forms of cognitive impairment.
• Metabolic Issues: Over time, sleep apnea’s lack of proper sleep can lead to insulin resistance, putting you at an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Poor sleep also disrupts appetite-regulating hormones, contributing to weight gain.
• Decreased Quality of Life: Beyond physical health, untreated sleep apnea can negatively affect mental health, relationships, and overall well-being. 

Why You Should Make an Appointment at Silent Night Therapy

Diagnosing sleep apnea is not something you should attempt on your own. The sleep specialists at Silent Night Therapy can conduct thorough tests to determine whether you are, in fact, suffering from the disorder. Treatment options vary depending on the severity and type of sleep apnea. We offer personalized solutions, including lifestyle changes and oral appliances to address your needs. 

Let Silent Night Therapy Help You Get Quality Sleep Apnea Treatment

Getting professional help to address your sleep apnea isn’t just about getting a good night’s sleep. It’s about taking care of your health before it’s too late. Let the sleep apnea experts at Silent Night Therapy of Babylon Dental Care to help you get your sleep patterns back on track. Call us today at 631-983-2463 or contact us online, and let’s conquer your sleep apnea together.