Knowing the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

It is important to properly treat sleep apnea as soon as symptoms are detected. This review discusses the most common symptoms of sleep apnea. Many of the symptoms of sleep apnea cause an oral health concern, in addition to possibly affecting the person’s ability to function daily.

What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?

The most notable symptoms of sleep apnea are snoring, gasping for air, dry mouth, insomnia, hypersomnia, inability to focus, and morning headaches. If multiple symptoms of sleep apnea repeatedly occur, then it indicates a need for a dental visit to get a diagnosis and find out about treatment options.

Snoring

Snoring is one of the most noticeable symptoms of sleep apnea. Keep in mind, many have a hard time recording their own sleep apnea symptoms, and the symptoms are generally first reported by someone else, such as a family member, significant other, or roommate.

Suddenly gasping for air

Sleep apnea causes the individual to suddenly awaken. This is due to the fact that with obstructive sleep apnea, the most common type of sleep apnea, the throat muscles tense up and affect the person’s ability to breathe properly. When the person awakens, they may suddenly gasp for air.

Dry mouth

Many who struggle with sleep apnea also have a hard time keeping the mouth wet with saliva throughout the night. Dry mouth can cause an oral health concern as it allows bacteria to flourish in the mouth, which contributes to the onset of cavities, gum disease, oral infections, and other oral health concerns.

Insomnia

People with insomnia have a difficult time falling asleep and staying asleep throughout the night. Sleep is not typically a pleasant experience for individuals with sleep apnea, so it may affect their ability to fall asleep and make them more reluctant to keep a consistent sleep schedule. In addition, since individuals with sleep apnea stop breathing during the night, they are constantly waking up to gasp for air.

Hypersomnia

Hypersomnia refers to sleepiness throughout the day. It is normal to sometimes feel fatigued in the middle of a workday, but individuals with hypersomnia have an even harder time fighting daily fatigue, which is largely due to an inability to stay asleep throughout the night.

Inability to focus

Of course, a lack of sleep throughout the night has a noticeable effect on the individual’s ability to function daily. Many with sleep apnea have difficulties focusing throughout the day, which may impact their effectiveness at school, work, and in other aspects of life.

Morning headaches

Morning headaches are also a commonly reported symptom of sleep apnea. Those who report morning headaches due to their sleep apnea often see their headaches become far less frequent once they begin treatment.

Schedule a sleep apnea consultation with our dental team

If you are experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea, then call our dental team today. We help people who struggle with sleep apnea find relief and ensure that the condition does not have an impact on their long-term oral health.

Are you considering sleep apnea treatment in the Minneapolis or Minnetonka area? Get more information at https://www.holgerdentalgroup.com.

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