Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

The majority of people with sleep apnea don’t even realize that they’re suffering with this problem. Why? Because it happens while you’re sleeping, making it impossible for you to realize when your breathing pauses. However, there are symptoms of sleep apnea that you or a loved one may notice, and it’s important to seek a diagnosis if you notice these signs and symptoms of sleep apnea. At Alexander Dental in St. Augustine, Florida, we can help you obtain your sleep apnea diagnosis by referral to a sleep physician and provide treatment options with sleep apnea therapy appliances. Dr. Alexander works closely with sleep physicians in treating your sleep apnea.

The symptoms of sleep apnea include:

Waking up with a sore or dry throat
Loud snoring
Waking with the feeling of choking or gasping for breath
Sleepiness and fatigue during the day
Headaches in the morning
Restless sleep
Problems with memory and moodiness
Frequent waking during the night
Excess tissue in the throat

Many people are alerted to their problem by a spouse. Your spouse may notice you struggling to breathe during the night, or he or she may hear your loud snoring.

These symptoms have a lot in common with other insomnia problems and depression, which is why it’s ultimately a professional who will diagnose your sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is generally done with a sleep study. You can spend the night in a sleep lab, or you can have a home study. During the sleep study, measurements are made of heart rate, respiration, eye movement, and brain waves. Movements and carbon dioxide levels in the blood are monitored. The most important measurement made during the sleep study is the measurement of apneas, or interruptions in breathing. Your diagnosis and the level of your diagnosis – mild, moderate, or severe – depend on the number of apneas experienced per hour.

What causes sleep apnea? Various factors contribute to sleep apnea, including:

A short lower jaw
Problems with the palate
Large tonsils
A large neck
Large tongue
Overweight or obesity

If you find yourself falling asleep at work, while driving, or while reading, consider exploring the possibility of sleep apnea. You’ll be amazed how much better you will feel and how your life will improve with sleep apnea therapy from Dr. James Alexander in St. Augustine, Florida. Our office serves Palm Coast, Palm Valley, Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, and other nearby Florida communities. Contact us to make an appointment to discuss your possible sleep apnea with Dr. Alexander.