Common Warning Signs of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a disorder that causes a person to stop and start breathing while they continue to sleep. It’s a serious condition that can lead to a range of health problems, such as high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, and abnormal liver function.

Unfortunately, diagnosing sleep apnea can be a challenge because many symptoms are similar to those that point to other medical conditions. It’s critical to see a specialist who can accurately diagnose the problem and create an effective treatment plan.

Types of Sleep Apnea

There are three main types of sleep apnea:

• Central sleep apnea – The muscles that control a person’s breathing don’t receive the correct signals from the brain.
• Obstructive sleep apnea – The muscles at the back of the throat relax during sleep, restricting airflow.
• Complex sleep apnea syndrome – This happens when someone has central and obstructive sleep apnea together.

Central sleep apnea and obstructive sleep apnea cause similar symptoms. A doctor can perform tests to determine which type you have and how to treat it.

Signs That You Might Have Sleep Apnea

Most people don’t realize they have sleep apnea unless their partner informs them of their loud snoring. Sometimes, this symptom goes ignored and untreated. Many believe it’s a minor issue without any cause for concern.

However, snoring can indicate a serious issue with a person’s breathing while they are asleep. Sleep apnea causes the muscles at the back of the throat to relax, resulting in the airway closing or narrowing. Snoring happens when air flows past these relaxed muscles, causing the tissues to vibrate.

Loud snoring isn’t the only symptom. Other common warning signs of sleep apnea include:

• Gasping for air while sleeping
• Night sweats
• Sore throat or dry mouth after waking up
• Daytime fatigue
• Depression or anxiety
• Restlessness or waking up frequently at night
• Difficulty concentrating
• Headaches
• Sexual dysfunction
• Forgetfulness

If you notice any of these symptoms, you should see your doctor right away.

Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea

Various treatments are available if you suffer from sleep apnea. The right treatment for you will depend on the type you have and how severe it is.

Common sleep apnea treatments include:

• Oral appliance therapy – An oral appliance can help keep your mouth in the best position for a better night’s sleep. There are four types of these appliances available at Silent Night Therapy, and we will help you choose the right one and custom-fit it to you.

• Positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy – A machine pushes air through a mask worn over the nose and mouth to keep a person’s airway open while they sleep.
• Lifestyle changes – Obesity increases the risk of sleep apnea. Losing weight could reduce the frequency of symptoms and improve the quality of sleep.
• Surgery – There are multiple procedures to repair malformed or excessive tissue that prevents air from flowing through the throat or nose.

A qualified sleep expert could determine which treatment would be best to meet your needs. Do not hesitate to get a diagnosis of your disorder right now and avoid medical complications in the future.

Contact Silent Night Therapy for Your Free Consultation

At Silent Night Therapy, we understand the importance of a good night’s sleep. You need to feel well-rested to work and tend to your daily responsibilities. If you suffer from sleep apnea, you likely experience interrupted sleep and wake up feeling fatigued. You should not have to face the adverse physical and mental effects of a treatable disorder.

Call Silent Night Therapy at 631-983-2463 right now for a free consultation and learn about the available options to treat your sleep apnea.