How Sleep Apnea Disrupts Your Sleep and Your Life
When does sleep not feel like sleep? While you may be getting your eight hours of rest, if you’re suffering from sleep apnea, your sleep may not be as restorative as it should be.
Think about how well you slept last night. Was your partner complaining about your snoring again? Did you wake up in the middle of the night, gasping for air?
Now, think about how you felt this morning. Was your mouth dry, or did you even feel like you slept at all? Do you feel alert and focused during your workday, or do you often feel exhausted and disengaged?
If you feel like your body is working against you, something like obstructive sleep apnea could be affecting the quality of your nightly rest. We’ll examine some key signs to look for and why the quality of your sleep is just as important as the quantity.
How sleep works
Just as you have a routine during your waking hours, your body follows a rhythm while you sleep. These are called sleep cycles, and each one can last about 90 minutes.
You first begin with light sleep, when your breathing and heart rate slow down, and your body temperature lowers. Next is the deep sleep stage, during which your body begins to repair itself. REM sleep is when most of your dreams occur, and it also plays a role in memory and mood regulation.
The duration of these stages and when they occur are influenced by your circadian rhythm, also known as your internal clock. However, factors such as daylight, meal times, caffeine intake, stress, and screen time can disrupt things. Sticking to a consistent bedtime and avoiding bright screens late at night can impact how rested you feel during the day.
Could obstructive sleep apnea be disrupting my sleep?
If you’re woken up in the middle of the night by a loud noise or a crying baby, it can make you feel disoriented. This is especially true if it happens during the stages of deep sleep or REM sleep.
However, some individuals experience brief awakenings multiple times a night. These are known as micro-arousals, and they occur when the airway becomes obstructed. They are often too short to remember. Other times, they can make sleepers feel like they are underwater.
These micro-arousals can also prevent dozers from getting the right amount of deep and REM sleep. It can also alter the body’s circadian rhythm, keeping the brain in an alert state and preventing the body from naturally lowering its heart rate and blood pressure.
These tiny interruptions are part of a disorder known as obstructive sleep apnea, and not only can it lead to poor quality of sleep and daytime drowsiness, but it can also lead to cognitive impairment, mood changes, and an increased risk of cardiovascular problems.
What are the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea I should look out for?
Since most of its symptoms occur during sleep, it can be difficult to detect the signs of obstructive sleep apnea. If you can, have your partner check for any signs. However, there are also some indications to look out for during your waking hours that you should be aware of.
Nighttime symptoms can include:
- Loud snoring
- Pauses in breathing
- Gasping, choking, or snorting while sleeping
- Restless sleep or frequent awakenings
Daytime symptoms can include:
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
- Irritability, mood swings, or depression
- Dry mouth or sore throat in the morning
What can I do?
If you believe you may have obstructive sleep apnea, then you should visit a specialist.
Dr. Sara Vizcarra, DDS, DABDSM, DABCP, DABCDSM, has studied craniofacial pain and dental sleep medicine. She has also had the honor of being named a Top Dentist by PHOENIX magazine every year since 2018. After completing several residencies treating patients with orofacial and TMJ disorders, she opened AZ Sleep and TMJ Solutions to serve patients with sleep apnea symptoms, teeth grinding and clenching, gum recession, jaw and ear pain, or headaches.
If you think you might be suffering from sleep apnea, call us at (480) 515-6209.