Sleep apnea is a common condition that frequently goes undiagnosed and untreated. This is because the symptoms can be quite varied and may seem completely unrelated to sleep patterns. Unfortunately, sleep apnea can lead to a variety of physical, emotional and psychological problems if it is left untreated. Thankfully, there are a variety of effective treatment options for sleep apnea in Orlando, FL, that may help improve your quality of life. Here are some of the top signs that you may have sleep apnea:
1. Frequent Snoring
This is one of the most obvious (and irritating) symptoms of sleep apnea. Snoring typically happens when the airways of the nose or throat are partially blocked during sleep. This can happen when the tongue relaxes and slips backward into the airway, or it can occur as the result of excessive nasal or throat tissue that is prone to vibration. Snoring is a common sign of sleep apnea that should be treated rather than ignored.
2. Morning Headaches
If you wake frequently with headaches in the morning, sleep apnea may be the cause. When the brain is deprived of sufficient oxygen at night due to constricted airways, it can lead to chronic morning headaches. These headaches typically decrease in severity as the day progresses.
3. Extreme Daytime Drowsiness
People who have sleep apnea, often struggle with extreme daytime drowsiness. In many cases, this can cause confusion, especially if it seems that adequate amounts of sleep are received each night. If you are always tired, no matter how many hours of sleep you get, sleep apnea may be at the root of your problem.
4. Waking Frequently at Night
Do you frequently wake up at night feeling short of breath? This is a common symptom of sleep apnea and happens because you stop breathing repeatedly throughout the night.
Discover Your Treatment Options
Treatments for sleep apnea vary depending on the type you have and the severity. Call the Center for Dental Anesthesia to schedule a sleep apnea consultation with Drs. Lawrence or Kyle Duffy.