Do you think you might have sleep apnea? The signs and symptoms of sleep apnea in Owen’s Cross Roads, AL, can be present for some, yet others may have no idea they have it. Dr. Elizabeth Duling treats sleep apnea at her dentist office.
We highlight some of the signs in people with sleep apnea, as well as the risk factors. Even if you don’t know you have sleep apnea, you may have some previously existing risk factors that make you more likely to develop it. Sleep apnea is a serious concern and needs treatment to preserve your quality of life.
Do I Have Sleep Apnea?
Many different signs indicate that you might have sleep apnea. The most common one is snoring. While not all snoring means sleep apnea, it’s a good indicator that you might have it. This is especially true if your snoring is loud. It may wake up your partner or other people in the household. You may also make snorting, choking, or gasping sounds while sleeping.
Sleep apnea occurs when the soft tissue in your throat collapses and blocks your airway. These sounds are your body’s way of saying it isn’t getting enough oxygen and it’s trying to unblock your airway for proper airflow again. A sore throat or dry mouth is common because of mouth breathing and gasping.
These occurrences make you wake up multiple times throughout the night, even if you don’t remember it. You may feel tired, even though you thought you had a full night’s sleep. You’ll likely be irritable, need caffeine to get through the day, or fall asleep while driving. Even if you don’t realize it, your body isn’t getting the rest it needs.
Sleep apnea has some more serious indicators as well. An irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, and unexplained weight gain are all issues related to sleep apnea. Though it’s not yet completely understood why it happens, frequent headaches when you wake up are also connected.
Why Am I Snoring at Night?
While not all cases of snoring mean sleep apnea, it may be a sign that there’s a deeper issue. Certain types of people and those with certain lifestyle habits are more likely to develop sleep apnea than others. The following things make snoring more likely:
You’re getting older
As we age, we lose muscle tone, which extends to the muscles in our mouths and throats. Our tongue and throat muscles also lose muscle definition. As a result, we are at an increased risk of the tissues blocking the airway. Even though sleeping is simple, our bodies have more trouble performing this function.
You’re overweight
When you’re overweight, you’ll have more fatty tissue. Combined with poor muscle tone, this can make it difficult for your airway to stay open during sleep. With a larger bulk of tissue blocking the airway, your body struggles more, and your snoring is louder and more violent.
You have some bad habits
The more smoking and drinking you do, the more likely you are to be a snorer. Smoking leads to inflammation and irritation in your nasal passages and throat muscles, disrupting airflow. Drinking alcohol before bed is a big culprit when it comes to snoring. Alcohol helps to relax muscles more, making them more likely to block your airway.
You sleep on your back
Most of us have a go-to sleep position in which we feel most comfortable. But when you sleep on your back, it’s easier for your soft tissue to fall back and block your airway. If you’re sleeping on one of your sides, you’re less likely to experience this. When you sleep, ensure your head stays elevated on your pillow.
You’re a man
Men are more likely to suffer from snoring and sleep apnea than women. Upper airway anatomy, including a thicker neck and an increased risk of obesity, means men are more likely to develop sleep apnea. Hereditary factors can also make you more likely to have these problems.
You have certain anatomy or nasal conditions
If you have a narrow airway, you’re more likely to experience a blocked airway. A large soft palate or tonsils can also make you more likely to snore because they can block your airway.
A deviated septum and chronic congestion can also increase your chances of snoring. These problems can restrict your nasal passage. In addition, if you have nasal congestion, you can have trouble breathing at night. You may breathe through your mouth as a result.
The Effects of Sleep Apnea
The common signs of sleep apnea can include:
- Snoring
- Snorting or gasping sounds
- Trouble staying asleep (insomnia)
- Teeth clenching and grinding
Left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to these problems:
- Mood swings
- Hormone imbalance
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Dry mouth
- Headaches
- Blood sugar levels
- Heart problems
- Difficulty concentrating
…and a host of other negative side effects.
If you notice signs of sleep apnea, contact Dr. Duling. She is a sleep-trained dentist. Her knowledge of facial anatomy, including the jaw, bite, and airway, allows her to screen for sleep apnea. After this screening, she may recommend a sleep study at home or in a lab to help determine the severity of your sleep apnea.
Our office provides oral sleep appliances to keep your airway open and reduce the occurrence of sleep apnea at night. This mouthguard-like appliance is custom-made for you. Oral appliance therapy (OAT) is more comfortable than a CPAP machine, which is often bulky and hard to wear.
We customize these appliances to cover your teeth and keep your airway open. If you have mild to moderate sleep apnea, you may benefit from a sleep appliance.
Schedule an Appointment
Do the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea sound familiar? Contact us to get treatment for your sleep apnea. You can schedule an appointment with Dr. Duling online or call 256.202.4186.
Please let us know if you have questions about sleep apnea symptoms or treatment. We’re here to help you.