Do You Have Sleep Apnea? Learn to Spot Common Symptoms
August 2, 2018
Sleep apnea is a serious condition with long-term health consequences, and many people who have it don’t even realize that it’s a problem. That’s because many of the symptoms of this disorder present themselves as sleep problems that go along with the stresses of modern life. A lot of patients who could benefit from treatment by a dentist in Rochester Hills, MI, chalk up their headaches, lack of rest, and frequent waking to other factors.
Common Symptoms to Look Out For
There are a lot of things that can impact sleep, which is why you should look for patterns that include multiple symptoms. Remember, too, that your dentist or a doctor could test for this disorder even if you only have one symptom on the list, so there’s no reason to wait if you’re suspicious. The worst that will happen is that you’ll rule out sleep apnea as the cause of the symptoms.
- Headaches
- Frequent waking
- Bruxism (grinding teeth)
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- High blood pressure
- Elevated cholesterol
- Mood swings
- Depression
The headaches are frequently dismissed by patients as a less important symptom, but they are actually very serious. Headaches from apnea are caused by plunging blood oxygen levels, which also leads to the frequent waking the disorder is known for. They represent a relatively long-term deprivation of resources to the brain and body, and you should make sure to treat them. That includes investigating a formal diagnosis if you have symptoms from the list above.
Make an Appointment Today
Long-term, the effects of this disorder significantly raise the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other live-threatening conditions for patients. Those effects can be prevented through treatment, so there’s no reason to wait if you think you have sleep apnea. Contact our office today to make an appointment with Dr. Wolfe and find out for sure. That way, you can stop the progression of symptoms in their tracks.