Main Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder that is characterized by frequent pauses in breathing while sleeping. This can happen anywhere from 5 to over 40 times per hour. This can cause a person to wake up repeatedly at night, which can result in feelings of drowsiness during the day.

When you see any of the following symptoms, make sure to visit a sleep specialist and bring the report to our dentist in Turlock and our dentist in Modesto for an appropriate treatment.

Snoring

Snoring is a common symptom of sleep apnea. However, snoring can also indicate a more serious medical condition. If you snore loudly and without cause, visit a sleep specialist for an evaluation.

Trouble Breathing

People with sleep apnea may wake during the night with a lack of air. They may even wake up gasping for air. These breathing interruptions can happen many times throughout the night, causing people to fall asleep in shorter spurts and wake up frequently throughout the night.

High Blood Pressure

Sleep apnea can also contribute to high blood pressure. Patients who have sleep apnea often experience nocturia – frequent urination at night. This, in turn, can lead to higher blood pressure because constantly getting up throughout the night causes the body to lose too much fluid and electrolytes.

Mood Changes

Snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea, and research suggests that snoring may be linked to mood changes, especially depression. If your partner complains about your snoring, it may be time to get a sleep study done.

The reason why snoring and depression are linked is not known for certain, but it may be that sleep apnea causes depression. Sleep apnea is disruptive to normal sleep cycles, which can result in chronic fatigue, which has been linked to depression.

Cognitive Impairment

Sleep apnea is known to decrease cognition. Studies have shown that people with untreated sleep apnea have a 50% reduction in brain volume and a 30% reduction in hippocampus volume. A decrease in brain volume can interfere with memory and concentration. People who suffer from sleep apnea can also experience emotional disorders like depression.

Tiredness

Tiredness is a common side effect of sleep apnea. Those with sleep apnea may be so tired during the day that they fall asleep at their desks after taking just a few bites of their lunch. Sometimes sleepiness is a symptom of sleep apnea, and other times it’s the only symptom.

Sleep apnea causes poor sleep that leaves sufferers feeling exhausted throughout the day. Sleep is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle, and sleep apnea sufferers often don’t get enough.

Memory Problems

Sleep apnea causes problems with memory. Interrupted sleep is correlated with poor memory, concentration, and even judgment. Studies have found that individuals who suffer from sleep apnea often have more difficulty learning new information and forming new memories and have trouble piecing together information to form new memories.

Morning Headaches

If you have a morning headache, it could be a sign of sleep apnea. When your brain isn’t getting enough oxygen, you may experience headaches in the morning.

When your breathing pauses throughout the night, your oxygen levels drop. Your brain wakes you so you can breathe again. When you fail to breathe, your brain is deprived of oxygen.

All Smile Dental is here to give you the best oral tips and help you restore your smile. You can book an appointment with our dentist in Turlock, CA, at the dental office by calling (209) 668-3736 or our dentist in Modesto, CA, at the dental office by calling (209) 409-8839.