What Are the Warning Signs of Sleep Apnea?

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A man sleeping in a bed

Are you waking feeling more tired than refreshed? Has your partner ever told you that you’re snoring loudly and even stopped breathing multiple times during the night?

These could be signs of obstructive sleep apnea, which is a sleep disorder that affects many people and can potentially lead to systemic health problems if left untreated.

But:

What are the warning signs of sleep apnea?

Well, that’s what we’re going to share with you in this blog and how to prevent sleep apnea from taking over your life.

The subtle signs and symptoms of sleep apnea

Some of the common signs and symptoms of sleep apnea include:

  • Feeling tired and sleepy throughout the day
  • Absent-mindedness
  • Difficulty to focus
  • Short-term memory loss (or forgetting simple tasks)
  • Dry mouth
  • Headaches
  • Mood swings (depression or irritability)
  • Loud snoring
  • Teeth grinding while you sleep
  • Abrupt awakenings at night

Unsure if you have these symptoms?

Ask yourself these questions:

  • Does your loved one tell you that you stop breathing multiple times throughout the night?
  • Do you snore loudly?
  • Do you have a hard time staying awake during the day (especially at work or driving a car)?
  • Do you have difficulty staying focused?
  • Are you waking up feeling short of breath?
  • Are you grinding your teeth at night?
  • Do you have headaches in the morning?
  • Are you overweight?

If you answered “YES” on 3+ questions, it’s best to talk with your physician.

What should you do if you notice signs of sleep apnea?

It’s best to consult with your dentist or physician about your symptoms. They’ll tell you the best course of action to relieve your symptoms and feeling well-rested again.

There are many treatment methods available to combat this serious disease, including:

  • CPAP machine: This machine uses a mask, which you place over your nose while you sleep. It’ll help you breathe more easily throughout the night.
  • Oral Appliance: This is a more comfortable method to treating sleep apnea where you wear a mouthguard-like dental device while you sleep. It’ll put your jaw in a comfortable position, so it doesn’t block your airway and cause you to snore.

What happens if sleep apnea is left untreated?

If left untreated, sleep apnea could increase your risk for serious health issues, including:

  • Obesity
  • Abnormal heartbeats
  • Heart disease
  • Chronic migraines
  • Stroke
  • And more

Who’s more likely to get sleep apnea?

Anyone can get sleep apnea (even children).

However:

Certain factors can put people at an increased risk, including:

  • Being overweight
  • Your age and gender: Sleep apnea is more common for aged men or women after menopause.
  • Narrow airways due to enlarged adenoids or physical particulars.
  • If someone in your family also suffered from sleep apnea.
  • High blood pressure

Looking for a Shorewood sleep apnea dentist?

Here, at Lakota Dental, we offer sleep apnea treatment.

Dr. Mike Lakota is a high-qualified dentist with the training and experience to help you finally get a good night’s rest again.

He’s been the “Expert Dentist” for five years running in Naperville’s Glancer Magazine, offering the best technology in dentistry.

Don’t lose another moment of sleep from sleep apnea. Contact us today to request an appointment:

Lakota Dental’s main office is located in Shorewood, IL, and happily welcomes new patients from Aurora, Plainfield, Joliet, Minooka, Oswego, Downers Grove, Warrenville, and Falling Brook.