Sleep apnea is a common condition affecting millions of individuals. It can cause short breathing pauses while sleeping, resulting in dangerous health problems, including heart problems, stroke, and high blood pressure if left without treatment.
Sleep apnea can cause loud snoring, choking, or gasping while sleeping, which can interrupt not only the person with the problem but also their bed partner or others nearby.
This article will review the common sleep apnea symptoms you should not neglect, along with the treatment options available. In this manner, you can act proactively to better your condition before it becomes serious and lead a more satisfying life.
Common Sleep Apnea Symptoms
Other sleep apnea symptoms are more noticeable than others, but listed here are some that must not be overlooked:
Loud Snoring
Snoring frequently and loudly is the most typical sleep apnea symptom. The snoring is usually interrupted by pauses in breathing, followed by gasping or choking sounds as the person tries to breathe again. Be sure to describe this to your doctor if you experience these symptoms. You may use this link for more detailed information.
Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding or bruxism can signify sleep apnea because sleep apnea can interrupt your sleep cycle, resulting in different bodily responses, like teeth grinding. Their air passage becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep, causing them to stop breathing briefly until their brain realizes they need to breathe again, causing disturbances in sleep.
Additionally, bruxism can damage or wear down your teeth, which might result in losing them. If that occurs, you can address this by speaking with a cosmetic dentistry doctor or check this link to help you find out more about the most effective treatment.
Excessive Daytime Drowsiness
Excessive daytime drowsiness is another common symptom of sleep apnea. If you have this problem, you usually feel tired and sleepy throughout the day because you’re not having quality, peaceful sleep during the night. Because of this, you might have trouble focusing, experience memory loss, and be less efficient in general.
Morning Headaches
A morning headache can be a sleep apnea symptom caused by reduced oxygen levels when sleeping. See a medical professional if you frequently struggle with morning headaches.
Irritability and Mood Changes
Sleep apnea can also lead to irritation, mood changes, and a lack of patience. This can trigger problems in personal relationships and at work. If you observe this happening, make sure to tell your doctor.
Hypertension
Finally, sleep apnea can result in hypertension. If your breathing is interrupted while sleeping, your blood pressure may increase. This can result in high blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Sleep Apnea Treatment Options
You can control your symptoms and lead a much better life with the help of many sleep apnea treatments. The most common sleep apnea treatment options are listed below.
CPAP Therapy
This is the most common and effective solution for sleep apnea. A mask covering the mouth and nose keeps the airway open throughout this treatment. If you have sleep apnea, CPAP therapy is a great option to lower your risk of problems, improve the quality of your sleep, and reduce the number of times you wake up in the evening. To alleviate sleep apnea symptoms, you may check this website, .
Oral Appliances
Oral devices are another treatment option for sleep apnea. These oral appliances keep the air passage open by repositioning the jaw and tongue when they are used. They are usually advised for people with light to moderate sleep apnea that can not tolerate CPAP therapy.
Lifestyle Changes
Making lifestyle changes can also be an effective way to handle sleep apnea. You can reduce the extent of your symptoms by losing weight, quitting smoking, refraining from alcohol, and not using sedatives. Additionally, sleeping on your side instead of your back can help to maintain your air passage open during sleep.
Surgery
In severe conditions, surgery might be the only option. An operation can help open up your air passage by expanding and reshaping the structures around it. It is usually advised for people with severe sleep apnea that can not use other treatments.
Conclusion
Sleep apnea is a severe condition that requires treatment to avoid major health complications. Get medical attention if you encounter any of these common symptoms. Look for assistance and talk to your doctor regarding which treatment option is ideal for you. The best treatment will help you have a good night’s sleep and feel relaxed and refreshed the next day, reducing your symptoms.