Sleep Apnea Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Sleep Apnea Warning Signs: How to Know If You Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Do you struggle to stay awake during the day? Have you ever nodded off at a left-turn light or been startled awake by a honking horn? Does your partner complain about loud snoring or notice pauses in your breathing while you sleep? Or do you wake up feeling exhausted despite spending a full night in bed?

If so, you may be experiencing obstructive sleep apnea, a common but often undiagnosed sleep disorder.

What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder characterized by loud, chronic snoring and repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. It occurs when the tongue and soft palate collapse against the back of the throat, blocking the upper airway.

These airway blockages can cause breathing to stop dozens or even hundreds of times per night, lasting anywhere from a few seconds to over a minute. Each pause reduces oxygen levels and disrupts restorative sleep.

If left untreated, obstructive sleep apnea can increase your risk of serious health conditions, including:

• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Congestive heart failure
• Type 2 diabetes
• Depression
• Decreased sex drive or impotence

Who Is at Risk for Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea can affect people of all ages and body types. According to the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, at least 25 million adults in the United States suffer from sleep apnea.

Risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea include:

• Increasing age
• Male gender (though women are also affected, especially during and after menopause)
• Excess body weight
• A narrow airway
• Recessed chin or misaligned jaw
• Family history of sleep apnea

How Do I Know If I Have Sleep Apnea?

One of the most common questions patients ask is: How do I know if I have sleep apnea? The answer often starts with evaluating how well you sleep and how you feel during the day.

Consider recording yourself while sleeping or ask your bed partner to listen for signs of disrupted breathing.

Common Sleep Apnea Symptoms to Listen For

• Loud, frequent snoring
• Breathing pauses, gasping, or choking during sleep

Sleep Apnea Symptoms to Watch For

• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
• Irritability or mood changes
• Morning headaches
• Acid reflux, heartburn, or chest discomfort
• Decreased libido or erectile dysfunction

If you experience several of these symptoms, it may be time to seek a professional evaluation.

Sleep Apnea Diagnosis and Treatment in Colorado

If you think you may have sleep apnea, help is available. The team at Link Dental can answer your questions about obstructive sleep apnea, including diagnosis and treatment options such as oral appliance therapy.

Diagnosis begins with a referral to a physician or sleep specialist, and we are happy to connect you with a trusted sleep doctor. Once diagnosed, we work closely with your medical provider to help you find a comfortable, effective treatment solution.

Schedule a consultation to discuss sleep apnea treatment by calling 303-773-8262, or book your next visit online at linkdentalcolorado.com.