Sleep apnea is often brushed off as “just snoring,” and those who suffer from it can fall under a certain stereotype. They’re often seen as overweight, lazy, and middle-aged.
But not fitting the stereotype doesn’t mean you’re free from this condition. Poor sleep isn’t just caused by stress, age, or fatigue, and sleep apnea isn’t just found in obese men/women who snore. The disorder is often undiagnosed and can quietly harm your physical and mental health.
Having a better understanding of sleep apnea symptoms and treatment can help you get the restorative sleep you need. You can learn more about it below.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which occurs when the throat muscles relax and collapse.
These pauses in breathing reduce your oxygen levels, forcing your brain to wake up the body to resume airflow. This causes sleep interruptions you don’t realize, leaving you tired and unrefreshed. You don’t have to fit a profile to have sleep apnea. However, because of the stigmas surrounding it, it often goes undiagnosed.
Hidden Sleep Apnea Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore
If you feel sleepy during the morning hours, suffer from morning headaches, or wake up suddenly gasping for air, this often indicates sleep apnea. Understanding sleep apnea symptoms and treatment early can prevent long-term health complications and improve your overall quality of life.
However, there are less obvious signs to look out for. In addition to the common symptoms, you might notice nighttime acid reflux, frequent urination during sleep, or waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat. Difficulty concentrating, increased forgetfulness, irritability, anxiety, or mood changes can also be linked to the disorder. You don’t have to snore to have sleep apnea.
If symptoms persist for more than 3 months, seek a professional sleep assessment. Early detection helps treatment, but ignoring the problem makes it worse.
Sleep Apnea Diagnosis and Treatment Options
After reviewing your symptoms and medical history, a sleep study is typically conducted either in a clinic or at home. While you sleep, your breathing patterns, oxygen levels, heart rate, and sleep stages are monitored for any interruptions.
Since early diagnosis is key, you may be referred to a sleep specialist like Dr. Vizcarra if you’re experiencing ongoing symptoms. She can then offer you a customized treatment to help you sleep better and feel your best.
When exploring sleep apnea symptoms and treatment, you may have heard of CPAP therapy, and it remains the gold standard for keeping airways open during sleep.
Oral appliances are prescribed for mild to moderate cases or for those who can’t use CPAP. Lifestyle changes and check-ins with your specialist also matter. AZ Sleep and TMJ Solutions will create a customized plan for you.
You don’t have to fit a profile to experience sleep apnea. If you think you may have this disorder, don’t wait! Schedule an evaluation to learn more about sleep apnea symptoms and treatment options.
Dr. Sara Vizcarra, DDS, DABDSM, DABCP, DABCDSM, founded AZ Sleep and TMJ Solutions in Scottsdale, Arizona, to help patients with sleep apnea, teeth grinding, clenching, gum recession, jaw and ear pain, and headaches. She has been recognized as a Top Dentist by PHOENIX magazine every year since 2018. Call (480) 515-6209 to schedule an appointment.