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Sleep apnea is a condition in which a person stops breathing while asleep. A person with sleep apnea may stop breathing dozens of times a night, sometimes for as long as 10 seconds. There are numerous symptoms of sleep apnea:

Snoring

One of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea is snoring. Although both men and women can experience this symptom, it is more common in men. Typically, loud or chronic snoring is a sign of obstructive sleep apnea.

However, it is important to note that not all people who snore have sleep apnea. In fact, snoring can occur in anyone, from infants to adults. In order to distinguish between the two conditions, a medical professional can perform a sleep study to diagnose the cause of your snoring. Once diagnosed, a patient can receive the proper treatment for their particular condition.

If you experience other symptoms in addition to heavy snoring, such as daytime fatigue, you should not ignore these symptoms. In cases of moderate to severe sleep apnea, patients may require the use of a CPAP machine at home in order to continue breathing throughout the night.

Excessive Tiredness

One of the side effects of sleep apnea is that the sufferer usually feels excessively tired during the day. This fatigue may make it hard to stay awake at work or while driving, and you may experience a general lack of energy on a regular basis. You might also notice headaches or other aches and pains in the morning after you wake up. 

These are also symptoms of sleep apnea. If you are suffering from these symptoms, it may be time to visit your dentist for an evaluation.

Choking & Gasping

Loud nighttime snoring can be a symptom of sleep apnea, but other symptoms include choking and gasping at night. You may wake up suddenly due to these symptoms multiple times throughout the night. You may also notice a higher frequency of morning headaches caused by a lack of restful sleep.

Morning Headaches

When one sleeps with sleep apnea, their breathing is interrupted throughout the night. This interruption causes the body to oxygenate less and can cause headaches in the morning as a result.

Difficulty Concentrating

The symptoms of sleep apnea can negatively impact your concentration during the day, leading to decreased productivity at work or in school. Many patients report feeling as though they are in a fog throughout the day because of the constant interruptions that occur during sleep apnea episodes throughout the night. Interruptions like snoring and gasping for air can pull you out of deep sleep and causes your body to wake itself up in order to take a breath of air. These interruptions can cause extreme fatigue throughout the day and cause you to struggle to focus on the tasks at hand.

Mood Changes

People with sleep apnea are often diagnosed with depression, anxiety, or other mood disorders. This is because frequently interrupted sleep can cause mood changes, including depression, irritability, and anxiety. Regular and consistent sleep allows the body to repair itself and restores its functions, mood, and overall health.

If you suspect you have sleep apnea, it’s important to undergo a sleep test and get treated as soon as possible. Even mild to moderate cases of sleep apnea can negatively affect your quality of life.

Obese

Many people with sleep apnea are also obese or overweight. Obesity increases the risk of developing sleep apnea. If you are overweight or obese and have symptoms of sleep apnea, weight loss can help you treat your condition. 

To learn more about our services for sleep apnea, call us at (971) 339-0816 or visit the Sleep Health Partners office at 9370 SW Greenburg Rd, Suite 422 Rd Suite 422, Portland 97223.