The Signs of Sleep Apnea

The Signs of Sleep Apnea

Whether it’s your husband, wife, bed partner or a friend, we all know someone who snores. Fortunately, we offer several different treatment options to help those who suffer from OSA.

Snoring is not only disruptive but more importantly can be a sign of a serious disorder called Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). For adolescents and children, you shouldn’t hear them snore or make similar sounds at all during their sleep. If you do, they should be checked for OSA immediately.

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition in which breathing stops periodically during sleep. If you suffer from sleep apnea, each time your breathing stops, the resulting lack of oxygen alerts your brain, which temporarily wakes you up to restart proper breathing. Because the time spent awake is so brief, most people with sleep apnea don’t remember it – and many think they are getting a good night’s sleep. However, the constant wake-sleep-wake-sleep cycle precludes the deep sleep that refreshes the body, and sufferers are frequently drowsy during the day.

What are the signs of sleep apnea?

  • Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
  • Loud snoring at night
  • Waking up at night short of breath
  • Snorting or choking sounds during the night (indicating a restart of breathing)
  • Headaches upon waking in the morning
  • Falling asleep unintentionally during the day
  • Extreme drowsiness throughout the day

The Good news is there are Treatment Options. Good sleep hygiene (it’s best not to sleep on your back), weight loss if necessary, and regular exercise are some helpful OSA treatments patients can practice on their own. Medical and dental treatments include Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT), and surgical removal of throat tissues i.e. uvula and tonsils.

The following symptoms can indicate the presence of sleep apnea. If you notice one or more of these signs in you or your child, give us a call and schedule a free consultation so we can find the right treatment option for you.

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